April’s Supreme Court election is generating far less outside spending than the past races, which determined ideological control of Wisconsin’s high court.
Wisconsin’s 2026 Supreme Court race for the open seat vacated by retiring conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley has seen significantly lower big-money involvement than the multimillion-dollar spectacles of recent cycles, providing a break from the flood of national special-interest cash that has dominated past contests.
Court of Appeals Judge Maria Lazar, the conservative candidate endorsed by Republicans and focused on judicial restraint, impartiality, and fidelity to the Constitution and rule of law, trails liberal Court of Appeals Judge Chris Taylor, a former Democratic state legislator backed by her party. According to reports from the Wisconsin Ethics Commission and campaign disclosures, Taylor has raised over $4.26 million in total contributions, while Lazar has brought in approximately $676,000; leaving Taylor with a substantial fundraising lead of more than $3.59 million.
The subdued fundraising stands in sharp contrast to the explosive spending in prior races that directly contested ideological control of the court. In 2023, candidates and outside groups spent a record $51 million on the election won by liberal Janet Protasiewicz.
The 2025 contest shattered that mark, with total spending exceeding $115 million—some estimates reaching $144.5 million including related efforts by billionaire Elon Musk—as liberal Susan Crawford defeated conservative Brad Schimel.
This disparity persists despite the race’s inability to alter the court’s current 4-3 liberal majority, which has tempered enthusiasm among major national donors on both sides. Voters will decide the nonpartisan April 7 election.
