What Shocking Changes Could Wisconsin's Spring Election Bring? 5 Candidates You MUST Know!

Wisconsin is gearing up for significant electoral decisions as voters head to the polls on Tuesday. Among the key contests is the race for a new state Supreme Court justice, which could maintain or potentially expand the court's liberal majority. Additionally, Waukesha will witness its first open-seat mayoral race in 20 years, marking an important political moment for the city.

The Supreme Court election features state Appeals Court judges Chris Taylor and Maria Lazar, who are vying to replace retiring Justice Rebecca Bradley. This contest is particularly interesting as it does not alter the ideological balance of the court, which currently leans liberal after Justice Janet Protasiewicz won her seat in 2023, breaking a 15-year conservative majority. Taylor, a former Democratic state representative, has garnered endorsements from the court's four sitting liberal justices. In contrast, Lazar, who previously served as assistant state attorney general under former Republican Governor Scott Walker, is backed by conservative Justice Annette Ziegler, who is not seeking re-election in 2027.

Though this election may not have attracted the same level of attention as previous Supreme Court races, its implications are noteworthy. The winner will serve a crucial role in potential political disputes related to the 2028 presidential election and upcoming congressional redistricting in the early 2030s, as justices are elected for 10-year terms. Liberals are aiming for their fourth consecutive Supreme Court victory, a trend that could solidify progressive policies in the state.

Analyzing voting patterns, Democrats tend to achieve significant victories in populous counties such as Milwaukee and Dane (home to Madison), while Republicans often dominate rural areas across Wisconsin. In suburban regions like the “WOW” counties—Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington—Republican candidates typically perform well, balancing Democratic advantages in urban centers. The outcome of this race will hinge on the margins in these strongholds and the ability of both parties to appeal to more competitive swing areas.

In the 2024 presidential election, then-Vice President Kamala Harris won 68% of the vote in Milwaukee County and 75% in Dane County, yet lost statewide. Conversely, Protasiewicz and Crawford secured 73% and 75% of the vote, respectively, in Milwaukee County, and 82% in Dane County, winning statewide with substantial margins. Notably, both justices also won over more than 10 swing counties that had previously supported Trump in 2024, including Brown County, home to Green Bay.

In Waukesha, the mayoral race features Alicia Halvensleben, the Common Council President, and Scott Allen, a state representative known for his conservative stance. Halvensleben is being backed by the Waukesha County Democratic Party, while Allen has been one of the most conservative Republicans in the Legislature since his election in 2014. Outgoing Mayor Shawn Reilly, who has served three terms and left the Republican Party following the January 6, 2021, insurrection, has endorsed Halvensleben, signaling a potential shift in Waukesha’s political landscape.

As voters cast their ballots, the Associated Press will closely monitor the developments, declaring winners only when there is no chance for trailing candidates to catch up. Recounts are not automatic in Wisconsin; however, candidates may request one if the margin is less than a percentage point. The AP has a history of efficiently reporting results, as seen in the 2025 spring election when results for the Supreme Court race were first reported just nine minutes after polls closed.

With approximately 3.6 million active registered voters in Wisconsin, turnout is crucial. In the 2025 spring election, 62% of registered voters participated, with nearly 29% voting early. As of the latest reports, nearly 281,000 ballots had already been cast ahead of Tuesday's election. Polls are set to close at 8 p.m. local time.

As Wisconsin heads to the polls, the outcomes of these races could have lasting implications on both the state’s judiciary and local governance. Voters' choices will shape not only the immediate political landscape but also set the tone for crucial upcoming elections in 2024 and beyond.