Big news is coming out of Wisconsin’s political scene: Judge Chris Taylor has announced she’s running for the Wisconsin Supreme Court in the 2026 election. This might sound like just another judge running for office — but it’s a lot bigger than that. Her win could shift the balance of the state’s highest court even more toward the liberal side, which could have a big impact on issues like abortion, voting rights, and how political maps are drawn.
Let’s break it all down in simple terms.
Who Is Chris Taylor?
Chris Taylor isn’t new to politics or the courtroom. She’s 57 years old and has spent her whole career fighting for progressive causes. Before becoming a judge, she served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2011 to 2020, where she spoke out strongly for things like abortion rights, stronger gun laws, and workers’ rights.
She also worked as a lawyer for Planned Parenthood, helping defend reproductive rights. In 2020, Governor Tony Evers appointed her as a judge in Dane County. Then in 2023, she was elected to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.
Now, she’s taking on a much bigger role — running for a seat on the state’s Supreme Court.
Who Is She Running Against?
Taylor will face current Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley in the 2026 election. Bradley is a well-known conservative who’s been on the court since 2015. She’s made headlines in the past, especially when she supported former President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Taylor is not shy about criticizing Bradley. She says the court needs to be fair and unbiased, and she believes Bradley is too focused on pushing a political agenda. “I’m running to make sure people get a fair shake,” Taylor said. “Our courts should be about justice — not politics.”
Why Does This Election Matter?
Right now, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has a 4-3 liberal majority. That means four justices tend to lean liberal, and three are more conservative. If Taylor wins, that majority would grow to 5-2 — a pretty big deal.
Why does that matter? Because this court makes some of the most important decisions in the state. For example, it’s expected to rule soon on whether to keep or overturn Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban — a law that could affect thousands of people.
The court is also looking at a case brought by Planned Parenthood that would decide whether abortion is a right protected by the state constitution. If Taylor wins, it could help tip the scale toward more liberal rulings on these kinds of major issues.
What About Money and Campaign Drama?
In past Supreme Court elections, money has played a huge role. The 2024 race saw record-breaking spending, including large donations from billionaires like Elon Musk, who supported conservative candidates.
This time around, Musk has said he may cut back on political donations, which could change how much outside money flows into the race.
Taylor says she’s focused on keeping the court fair and independent. She also made it clear that she won’t automatically step away from cases just because they touch on political issues — she’ll decide each one carefully. “There’s no room for partisanship in the courtroom,” she said.
What Happens Next?
The 2026 Supreme Court election is shaping up to be a major showdown. It’s not just about two candidates — it’s about which direction the court will go for years to come. Will it stay closely divided? Or will Taylor’s win give liberals a stronger grip on the court?
Voters across Wisconsin will have the final say. And as we get closer to election day, expect to hear a lot more about this race — because the outcome could affect everything from women’s rights to voting laws.
