Liberals Eye Historic Win in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

Liberals aim to extend their winning streak in one of the nation's most closely divided battleground states

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has been a key battleground in recent years, with liberals making significant gains in the state's judiciary. Three years ago, liberals won a majority on the court for the first time in 15 years, a major breakthrough in a state that has been closely divided between Democrats and Republicans. Next month, they are aiming to further expand their edge in the April 7 election between the Democratic-backed Chris Taylor and the Republican-backed Maria Lazar.

The Candidates and Their Campaigns

Chris Taylor, an appeals court judge and former Democratic state legislator, has put abortion and voting rights at the forefront of her campaign. She has also focused on economic issues, such as rising costs and cuts to food assistance programs. Taylor's campaign has held significant fundraising and ad spending advantages, with her raising 10 times as much money as Lazar in 2025. Since January 1, Taylor's campaign has spent $2.3 million on ads, compared to $157,000 spent by Lazar's campaign.

The Changing Landscape of Wisconsin Supreme Court Races

The game has changed in Wisconsin Supreme Court races, according to Brandon Scholz, a Republican-turned-independent strategist in the state. Democrats and liberals have proved they can outraise and outspend Republicans and conservatives, and they have changed the game by taking political positions that help voters look at these races like issues-based legislative or gubernatorial contests. As a result, liberals have the issues, the messaging, and the money, giving them a significant advantage in the race. Conservatives, on the other hand, have not adapted to the new landscape, and their failure to do so may cost them the election.

The Role of Money and Advertising in the Race

The significant disparity in fundraising and ad spending between the two candidates has been a major factor in the race. Taylor's ads have focused on reproductive rights and economic issues, while Lazar's ads have taken aim at Taylor's support for abortion rights and labeled her a "radical." Groups backing Taylor have spent an additional $1.3 million on ads, compared to less than $12,000 spent by groups supporting Lazar. The ability of political parties in the state to transfer unlimited cash to campaigns has also played a role in the race, with the Democratic Party of Wisconsin growing into a fundraising juggernaut in recent years. This has helped give liberal candidates a major cash advantage in Supreme Court races, and it may be a key factor in the outcome of the election.

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