Chris Taylor wins Wisconsin Supreme Court race, expanding liberals' majority

Key Points:

• Chris Taylor, a liberal candidate and former Democratic state legislator, won a 10-year term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, increasing the liberal majority to 5-2 in the key battleground state.
• Taylor defeated conservative Maria Lazar, who worked in former Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s administration, securing the seat of retiring Justice Rebecca Bradley.
• The liberal majority on the court, first achieved in 2023 after 15 years, has influenced key decisions such as overturning Republican-favored legislative maps and striking down a near-total abortion ban.
• Taylor's campaign emphasized abortion rights, voting rights, and opposition to former President Donald Trump, benefiting from significant fundraising and party support, though this year's race saw much lower spending and enthusiasm compared to previous elections.
• Democrats aim to leverage their court majority to challenge Republican legislative control and conservative laws, with additional Supreme Court seats up for election in 2025 and beyond, potentially expanding liberal influence further.