Milwaukee Voters Weigh In on Taylor’s Supreme Court Victory

The Wisconsin Supreme Court election between Chris Taylor and Maria Lazar has come to a close with liberal judge Chris Taylor winning against conservative judge Maria Lazar by won by more than 20 points. With Chris Taylor as the new judge giving liberals a 5-2 majority in the court, what is next for the Wisconsin people? Lets see what Milwaukee voters Sam Garda and Ron Aplin think about the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race who were Wisconsin voters who voted on Election Day.

“I feel more comfortable with any kind of decisions that the Supreme Court would make,” said Sam Garda, a Chipotle employee at UWM who voted for Taylor. “I’m going to feel more comfortable with the potential of laws being passed or struck down that I think are more in line with what’s best for the vast majority of people in Wisconsin.”

Garda, who described himself as a conservative-leaning voter who nonetheless supported Taylor, said abortion rights were the primary driver of his decision. “I think that women should have a right to choose,” he said. “And I think a lot of conservative policies are very unfair and harsh on lower-income communities.”

His sentiments were echoed by Ron Aplin, a senior auditor at UWM and retired attorney who also cast his ballot for Taylor. For Aplin, the result was about more than the court — it was about the direction of the state.

“I think the election of another liberal justice will put a check on the legislature, which is still Republican,” Aplin said. “The system is more apt to function the way it’s supposed to function because of that.”

Taylor’s win gives liberals a 5-2 majority on the state’s highest court, locking in liberal control until at least 2030. The race to replace retiring conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley was the fourth consecutive Supreme Court victory for liberal-backed candidates in Wisconsin dating back to 2020.

Despite its significance, both voters noted the race felt quieter than expected. Aplin offered a theory: he believes conservative corporate money pulled back ahead of upcoming midterms.

“I think they’re starting to lie low because the midterms are coming up and they’re getting beaten up,” he said, adding that President Trump’s unpopularity may be energizing liberal turnout. “I think he’s sort of skewing the upcoming midterms in a liberal direction.”

Garda, meanwhile, said he didn’t follow the race’s lone debate and doesn’t think debate culture serves much purpose in the current political climate. “I wish we were in a society where there was more of an opportunity for posted dialogue where people would listen to each other,” he said. “But it feels like that doesn’t really happen anymore. It’s just about saying why I’m better and why this candidate is worse.”

Both voters said they primarily gathered information about the race through conversation and news organizations rather than formal campaign coverage.

On the question of what drives their broader political views, each man pointed to systemic concerns. Garda cited the environment and income inequality as his two core issues. “If you’re not worried about finances, your whole mental health is better overall,” he said. Aplin framed his politics around a sense of civic duty. “I have a humane, charitable attitude toward other people,” he said. “I think we’re here to take care of each other, and the government should reflect that view.”

Looking ahead, Aplin said Taylor’s victory could be a preview of things to come, including the 2026 governor’s race, where Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez may enter as a frontrunner. He also noted that conservative Justice Annette Ziegler has already announced she won’t seek reelection, setting up yet another open seat on the court in 2027.

“I think it’s a good indication that the Democrats have the upper hand right now,” Aplin said.