Wisconsin Supreme Court Shifts to Liberal Majority
In 2023, the Wisconsin Supreme Court will see a liberal majority for the first time in 15 years, following Justice Susan Crawford’s victory in a trial last year. This election was notable, as it marked the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history.
Wisconsin voters decisively reinforced liberal dominance in the state’s high court during a landslide election on Tuesday, dashing conservative hopes for a more balanced judiciary.
Chris Taylor, an appellate court judge and former Democratic state representative, garnered over 95% of the vote, achieving 60.1% overall. Her Republican opponent, Maria Lazar, received 39.8%.
Abortion was a key issue during the campaign. Taylor, a former policy director for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, is known for her strong pro-abortion stance.
A 2017 bill, which she authored, claimed that “all women have a fundamental right to choose to have a safe and legal abortion.” Though the bill failed, it aimed to ensure access to abortion at any stage of pregnancy when necessary for the woman’s life or health.
Taylor celebrated after the state Supreme Court overturned a 1949 law that restricted most abortions. Despite some criticism of her as a “judicial activist,” she maintained that she would not recuse herself from abortion-related cases.
Meanwhile, Lazar received backing from pro-life organizations and criticized Taylor’s approach, suggesting she would push an extreme right-wing agenda. During her time in the legislature, Taylor also advocated for stricter gun control measures.
Her campaign raised over $6.2 million, significantly outpacing Lazar’s $1.2 million fundraising total. After her defeat, Lazar stated, “The battle is not over. We will continue to fight for the courts because they are so important.”
The court will now be divided 5-2 in favor of liberals. There are indications that liberals might secure an additional seat next year, as conservative Justice Annette Ziegler is not running for a third term.
Taylor’s ten-year term will begin in August, replacing retired Judge Rebecca Bradley, who previously supported overturning Democratic Governor Tony Evers’ election postponement order during the pandemic.
