“I think what came out of the debate was just a real contrast between myself and my opponent,” stated Chris Taylor, a key candidate in the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election.

The election is set for April 7, 2026, and Taylor, a judge on the Madison-based District 4 Court of Appeals, is vying for a seat against Maria Lazar, a judge on the Waukesha-based District 2 Court of Appeals. Taylor is viewed as the liberal candidate, while Lazar represents the conservative side of the spectrum.

The stakes are high; the current Wisconsin Supreme Court holds a 4-3 liberal majority. If Taylor wins, this majority would expand to 5-2, solidifying a liberal presence in the court. Conversely, a victory for Lazar would maintain the status quo.

In terms of campaign financing, Taylor has raised approximately $6.2 million, significantly outpacing Lazar’s $1.2 million. This financial disparity reflects the differing levels of support and engagement in the race.

Early voting turnout has been notably lower than in previous elections, with only 324,000 early ballots returned thus far. This trend raises questions about voter engagement as the election date approaches.

During a recent debate on April 2, 2026, Taylor accused Lazar of dishonesty, stating, “My opponent, point blank, lied.” This exchange highlights the contentious nature of the campaign as both candidates seek to sway undecided voters.

Political analyst Charles Franklin noted, “The majority is not up for grabs, so political actors – especially out of state — are not engaged in the race.” This suggests a lack of external influence, which could impact campaign dynamics.

Melissa Moore Baldauff, a supporter of Taylor, emphasized the importance of the election, saying, “After ending the conservative stranglehold on our judiciary, Wisconsinites have gotten used to having a fair and independent state Supreme Court that protects the constitutional rights of all Wisconsinites and keeps extremists in check.”

As the election nears, both candidates are ramping up their efforts to connect with voters and secure their positions in a race that could redefine the balance of power in Wisconsin’s judiciary.

Details remain unconfirmed.