Liberal Court of Appeals Judge Chris Taylor holds a small lead in April’s Wisconsin Supreme Court election despite massively outspending conservative opponent Maria Lazar.
A new Marquette University Law School Poll released Wednesday reveals that Wisconsin voters remain largely undecided in the April 7 state Supreme Court race, as liberal Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor holds only a narrow lead over conservative Appeals Court Judge Maria Lazar.
The survey found 66% of respondents undecided on their vote. Among those with a preference, Taylor garnered 17% support compared to Lazar’s 12%. Among likely voters—those certain to vote—Taylor led 22% to 15%, with 62% still undecided.
The poll highlights Taylor’s modest edge despite significant financial advantages. Reports indicate Taylor’s campaign has dramatically outraised and outspent Lazar’s in recent months, fueled by substantial Democratic-aligned donations and early advertising efforts.
Voter awareness, however remains low: only about 21% of respondents said they had a clear idea of Taylor’s positions, compared to 15% for Lazar, while most said they hadn’t heard enough about either candidate.
The race has seen limited voter engagement so far, with campaigns ramping up TV and online ads only recently. More than 80% of both Democrats and Republicans surveyed expressed a desire for candidates to focus on issues rather than partisanship.
With six weeks until election day, the poll suggests the contest could tighten as awareness grows, but Taylor’s small lead underscores the challenge of converting fundraising dominance into voter support in a low-information spring race.
