Liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Chris Taylor reported raising $2.1 million, five times that of her conservative opponent Maria Lazar.
Liberal candidate Chris Taylor reported raising $2.1 million for her Wisconsin Supreme Court campaign during the period from February 3 to March 23, including a $700,000 transfer from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.
By contrast, Republican-backed candidate Judge Maria Lazar reported raising just $474,395 in the same period, including a $60,000 transfer from the state GOP.
Both candidates are required to file final pre-election reports later this week.
The latest filings, released Tuesday, cover the most recent pre-election reporting window ahead of the April 7 contest for an open seat on the high court. Taylor, a Court of Appeals judge and former state Assembly member, faces Lazar, also a Court of Appeals judge from the Waukesha area. The race will not shift the court’s current 4-3 liberal majority but could affect its future balance.
Campaign finance records further show that the Wisconsin Democratic Party raised $2.7 million from Jan. 1 through March 23 and held $1.3 million in cash on hand after the transfer to Taylor. The state Republican Party raised $239,491 in the period and had $956,251 cash on hand after aiding Lazar.
Spending in the 2026 race has been far lower than in the record-breaking 2025 contest, which topped $100 million. Outside groups and parties have played a reduced role so far in direct candidate support this cycle.
Taylor entered the race earlier than Lazar. The nonpartisan election has drawn less national attention and advertising than recent cycles.
Voters will decide the seat on April 7, with the winner serving a ten-year term on the state’s highest court.
Wondering who to vote for? Check out The Ultimate Conservative Voter Guide:
