Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidates Face Off After Shocking Last-Minute Delays—What You MUST Know!

In a highly anticipated event, the candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court finally faced off in a debate on April 2, more than a week after the original date had been postponed due to a combination of severe weather warnings and a health issue involving one of the candidates. The debate, which aired at 8 p.m. on WISN 12, featured two appeals court judges: Chris Taylor and Maria Lazar, who are vying to succeed retiring conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley.

The debate was originally scheduled for March 25, but was pushed back when Taylor was hospitalized with kidney stones. After being released, the debate was moved to 7 p.m. on April 2. However, the evening’s severe weather forced another delay, making the event start an hour later than planned.

With Wisconsin’s spring election set for April 7, the debate served as a crucial opportunity for both candidates to outline their positions and engage with voters. Despite the initial intention for a civil exchange, the tone quickly escalated, with Lazar branding Taylor a “radical, extreme legislator.” In turn, Taylor accused Lazar of having an “extreme, right-wing political agenda” and failing to adhere to the law.

The candidates covered a wide range of topics, including abortion bans, fundraising tactics, and issues surrounding redistricting, yet both consistently refrained from discussing specific hypothetical situations or partisan issues. Throughout the debate, Taylor stressed her dedication to independence and the protection of citizens’ rights, declaring, “I have a spine of steel when it comes to people’s rights and freedoms being protected.” Lazar echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing justice, integrity, and her commitment to impartiality: “When someone walks into the court, it’s not that the court is right or left; you need a court that decides things only based on the facts.”

In terms of background, Taylor, who was elected to the state appeals court in 2023, previously served as a judge on the Dane County Circuit Court after being appointed by Gov. Tony Evers in 2020. Her professional history includes a role as public policy director for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin and a tenure in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Conversely, Lazar has a long career in civil litigation, having served as an assistant attorney general at the Wisconsin Department of Justice since 2010.

Campaign finance data illustrates a significant disparity between the candidates, with Taylor’s campaign gathering approximately $6.18 million in contributions as of April 2, compared to Lazar’s $1.21 million. This financial edge may play a substantial role in how each candidate mobilizes their support in the final days leading up to the election.

As the debate concluded, both candidates shared final thoughts intended to resonate with voters. “I hope that the viewers saw a huge difference between myself and my opponent,” Taylor stated, asserting her track record of progress for Wisconsin. Lazar responded with a strong reminder of the stakes at hand, highlighting the critical nature of the upcoming election: “This debate has made it very clear that the choice, and what happens in this election, could not be more important for our state.”

For those eligible to vote, information on polling places and early voting options can be accessed at myvote.wi.gov. With just days remaining until the election, the debate underscored the contrasting visions both candidates present for Wisconsin's judiciary, marking a pivotal moment in the state's political landscape.