Episode 3: Taylor vs. Lazar—The Battle for the Bench

Is Wisconsin’s high court independent, or is it an "extreme" political prize?

Five days before the April 7 election, Appeals Court judges Chris Taylor and Maria Lazar faced off in their only televised debate, painting each other as extreme figures unfit for the state’s highest bench. With early voting already underway and over 355,000 ballots cast, the race has reached a fever pitch.

In this episode, we break down the final sprint of the 2026 race—a contest that could either solidify liberal control until 2030 or maintain the current 4-3 ideological split.

• The Debate Fireworks: We analyze the heated exchanges from the April 2 debate, where Taylor attacked Lazar’s "extreme, right-wing agenda" and Lazar cast Taylor as a "radical, extreme legislator."

• Fundraising Dominance: Taylor continues her massive financial lead, raising over $6.18 million to Lazar’s $1.21 million. New reports show Taylor outspent Lazar by more than 6-to-1 in the final weeks, flooding the airwaves with TV and online ads.

• The Abortion Battleground: Hear the candidates' clashing views on the 1849 abortion law. Taylor criticized Lazar for calling the Dobbs decision "very wise," while Lazar accused Taylor of supporting "abortion up until the moment of birth."

• Redistricting & Election Integrity: Why this race is critical for the future of Wisconsin's congressional maps and the 2028 presidential election. While both declined to comment on pending litigation, Taylor positioned herself as a "pro-democracy" candidate against election interference.

• Polling the Undecideds: A late March Marquette Law School Poll found 46% of likely voters still undecided. We look at why Republicans are slower to align with a candidate than their Democratic counterparts.

A Taylor victory would expand the liberal majority to 5-2, providing a buffer that could protect liberal rulings on labor rights, environmental regulations, and voting access for years to come. Lazar warns her supporters that the liberal majority must not be allowed to grow, arguing the court needs "balance" to reflect the people of Wisconsin.

The 2026 Power Struggle:The Stakes for Wisconsin: