Democrats’ Choice Projected To Win WI Supreme Court Race

UPDATE: Dems’ Big Night In Wisconsin Includes Breakthrough Win In Waukesha

WISCONSIN — Democratic-backed Chris Taylor was projected to win Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race easily Tuesday night, defeating Republican-supported Maria S. Lazar and expanding liberals’ majority on the court to 5-2.

The result strengthens liberals’ hold on the state’s highest court and is expected to shape major decisions in the years ahead, including cases involving abortion policy, legislative maps and election law.

The race, while officially nonpartisan, drew clear partisan lines and followed a lower-spending, lower-profile contest compared to recent high-stakes elections that determined control of the court. S

But the outcome carries significant implications as Wisconsin remains a key battleground state heading into future elections.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Results, as of 9:10 p.m. Tuesday:

What To Know About The Race

The race between Chris Taylor and Maria S. Lazar is officially nonpartisan, but it has drawn clear backing from Democrats and Republicans, respectively.

Both candidates currently serve on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.

The election comes at a pivotal moment for the court. A Taylor win would expand the court’s liberal majority to 5-2, up from 4-3, and could lock in that advantage until at least 2030.

The court has already taken up major issues in recent years, including abortion policy, legislative maps, and election law, and is expected to remain a central player in politically charged cases moving forward.

Who Are The Candidates?

Taylor, a former Democratic state lawmaker from Madison, has been a judge since 2020. Before joining the bench, she worked for Planned Parenthood and served about a decade in the Wisconsin State Assembly.

Lazar has been a judge since 2015 and previously worked as an assistant attorney general with the Wisconsin Department of Justice under a Republican attorney general. She later served as a circuit court judge before being elected to the Court of Appeals.

What Shaped The Campaign

Abortion rights emerged as a central issue in the race, with Taylor emphasizing access and Lazar drawing support from anti-abortion groups.

The candidates also clashed over partisanship, each accusing the other of bringing a political agenda to the bench.

Taylor entered the final stretch of the race with a significant fundraising advantage and far more spending on television ads.

Why It Matters

Wisconsin’s Supreme Court has been at the center of major political and legal battles in recent years.

After liberals gained control of the court in 2023, the justices have reversed some prior rulings, including decisions affecting absentee ballot drop boxes, and have taken up cases tied to legislative maps and state law.

With another conservative justice set to retire next year, the outcome of Tuesday’s race could further shape the court’s balance and influence future rulings ahead of upcoming elections.

The race follows a closely watched 2025 contest that drew heavy national attention and record spending, as Democrats defended their majority on the court. While outside spending and national focus have been more muted this year, the stakes remain significant. Tuesday’s results will help determine whether liberals can strengthen their hold or whether conservatives can begin to claw back ground ahead of future races that could again shift the balance.

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story.