Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Gains Conservative Candidate After Incumbent Withdrawal

Wisconsin's 2026 Supreme Court race is shaping up as a pivotal contest following the announcement that conservative Appeals Court Judge Maria Lazar will run for the open seat left by Justice Rebecca Bradley, who is not seeking reelection. Lazar, emphasizing judicial independence and criticizing the politicization of the courts, joins Democrat Chris Taylor, a former state lawmaker, in the race that follows two record-breaking expensive liberal victories. The court currently holds a 4-3 liberal majority, and a conservative loss in 2026 could expand this majority to 5-2, further shifting the court's ideological balance. Concurrently, the Wisconsin gubernatorial race is heating up with progressive candidates like Assemblymember Francesca Hong, who campaigns on issues such as education funding, healthcare, and human rights, particularly criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza, alongside other Democratic contenders. Former state Rep. Brett Hulsey is also running, focusing on education reform, environmental initiatives, and homelessness, aiming to address these as part of his gubernatorial platform. The gubernatorial field includes multiple Democrats and Republicans, highlighting a competitive upcoming election cycle in Wisconsin.