Full Breakdown
Wisconsin Supreme Court Race: Chris Taylor Leads Maria Lazar Ahead of Election
3/26/2026, 1:09:25 AM
Current Polling Landscape
As the Wisconsin Supreme Court election approaches on April 7, 2026, a recent Marquette University Law School poll indicates that liberal Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor leads conservative Appeals Court Judge Maria Lazar by 6 percentage points among registered voters. The poll, conducted from March 11 to 18, shows Taylor receiving 23% support compared to Lazar's 17%, with a significant 53% of voters still undecided. This uncertainty is notable, as only 12% of respondents reported having heard a lot about the race, a decrease from previous elections.
Voter Enthusiasm and Engagement
The Marquette survey highlights a disparity in voter enthusiasm between the two parties. Approximately 77% of Democrats expressed certainty about voting, while only 59% of Republicans felt the same. Furthermore, 65% of Democrats consider the outcome of the Supreme Court race very important, compared to 46% of Republicans. This enthusiasm gap may influence turnout and ultimately the election's outcome.
Candidates' Backgrounds and Campaigns
Chris Taylor, a former state Democratic lawmaker and current judge on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, has a background in advocacy, particularly for women's rights and public education. She was appointed to the Dane County Circuit Court in 2020 and has emphasized her commitment to justice and fair law interpretation throughout her career. Taylor's campaign has focused on engaging voters and raising awareness about the election, which she believes has not received adequate attention.
In contrast, Maria Lazar, a conservative candidate and former assistant attorney general, has positioned herself as a constitutional conservative who will uphold the law. Lazar's campaign has included aggressive advertising that critiques Taylor's legislative record, particularly her support for abortion access. Despite facing fundraising challenges, Lazar remains optimistic about her campaign's momentum.
Ideological Context and Stakes
Unlike previous Supreme Court elections in Wisconsin, the ideological balance of the court is not at stake in this race. Currently, liberals hold a 4-3 majority, which will remain unchanged regardless of the election outcome. However, if Taylor wins, the liberal majority would expand to 5-2. Misconceptions persist among voters, with 75% incorrectly believing that the court's balance could shift with this election.
Official Statements & Responses
Both candidates have articulated their judicial philosophies. Taylor has stated, “The throughline in my career for those last 30 years has been that passion and that commitment to people, to making sure laws are interpreted and applied fairly, and to justice.” Conversely, Lazar has emphasized her extensive legal experience, asserting, “This is not a position where this state should just take a risk... I promise you, I will live and breathe the law for 10 years.”
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Taylor argue that her advocacy background may compromise her impartiality as a judge. Lazar's campaign has focused on portraying Taylor as having an "activist agenda," while Taylor's team counters that Lazar has aligned herself with a far-right agenda through her past legal work. This ongoing back-and-forth reflects the heightened polarization surrounding judicial races in Wisconsin.
What's Next
With early voting having commenced on March 24 and continuing until April 5, both candidates are working to mobilize their bases and sway undecided voters. The outcome of this election will not only determine the next justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court but also reflect broader trends in voter engagement and party dynamics in the state.
