In a significant electoral development, the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s liberal majority is set to expand after the successful election of state Appeals Judge Chris Taylor. Her victory promises to influence the judicial landscape of the state for the next decade.
The Associated Press declared Taylor’s win over conservative opponent, Appeals Judge Maria Lazar, at 8:36 p.m. on election night.
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With Taylor’s election, the liberal bloc on the court will increase its majority to 5-2, effectively maintaining their dominance at least until 2030. The court has recently been pivotal in decisions expanding abortion rights and overturning Republican-drawn legislative maps. It is anticipated to rule on key cases concerning voting rights and labor issues in the future.
Even without this victory, the liberal majority of 4-3, established with the high-profile election of Justice Janet Protasiewicz in 2023, would have remained intact. This was further reinforced last year by Justice Susan Crawford’s victory in a record-breaking expensive court race.
Despite the relatively subdued stakes this time, Taylor’s campaign enjoyed a significant financial edge. While fundraising, early voting, and turnout were lower, Taylor managed to outspend Lazar by a 6-to-1 margin.
Judge Taylor’s campaign was well-positioned from its inception in May, soon gaining endorsements from the four sitting liberal justices. This support insulated her from challenges from the left. In contrast, Maria Lazar joined the race later in October, following the announcement by conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley that she would not seek reelection, creating an open race.
The challenges for conservatives are set to continue, with another open race looming in 2027 for the seat of conservative Justice Annette Ziegler. Conservatives need to win in 2027, 2028, and 2029 to potentially regain control of the court by 2030.
Justice Bradley will continue her term until the end of July, with Taylor set to assume office on August 1.
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