politics
Chris Taylor Wins Wisconsin Supreme Court Seat, Expanding Liberal Majority to 5-2
Chris Taylor, a Democratic-backed state appeals judge, won a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday, increasing the liberal majority to 5-2. The victory ensures liberal control of the court until at least 2030. The outcome positions the court to address key issues including redistricting, election disputes, and reproductive rights.
Apr 7, 11:11 PM·2m read3 sources
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Chris Taylor, a 58-year-old state appeals judge and former Democratic lawmaker, won election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday. Her victory expands the court's liberal majority to 5-2, replacing retiring conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley. The result maintains liberal control of the court until at least 2030.
Taylor defeated Maria Lazar, a conservative candidate backed by Republican interests. The race drew significant attention as a measure of voter sentiment in the battleground state, which had a near-even split between Democrats and Republicans in the 2024 presidential election. Democrats mobilized strong turnout to support Taylor, following a similar win by liberal Justice Susan Crawford in 2023.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court now holds authority over several pending cases.
Two lawsuits challenge the state's congressional map, which currently allocates six House seats to Republicans and two to Democrats. The court may determine if the map complies with state constitutional standards on fairness. Election-related disputes could also reach the court.
In a potential future case, similar to the 2020 presidential election challenges, the Supreme Court would serve as the final arbiter. U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Union rights and other labor issues may come before the court, as noted in coverage of the race's implications.
U.S. history, with over $100 million spent, including contributions from Elon Musk supporting the conservative candidate.
Court races have reshaped state law on elections and abortion in recent years.
The 2023 contest highlighted national interest in the court's composition. Taylor's campaign broke fundraising records and secured endorsements from Chief Justice Jill Karofsky, Justices Rebecca Dallet, Janet Protasiewicz, and Susan Crawford, as well as over 150 current and retired judges.
