Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Chris Taylor Shares Insight on Campaign Hours Before Her Acceptance Speech

Supreme Court Justice Chris Taylor won over the voters of Wisconsin in April after running a successful grassroots campaign that prioritized the future of young voters and the preservation of democracy.

“I want to tell every young voter, in college or not, that this is an election about their future,” said Taylor when asked what she wanted to convey most to college students. “I’m the mom of two teenagers. This is about what kind of government and court we are going to have for our children. And I want to make sure that our children, young people and college students’ rights are protected.” 

Wisconsin voters showed up to local polling stations on April 7 to cast their votes for the Supreme Court Justice seat. 

Voters had two distinct candidates on their ballot: Conservative Judge Maria Lazar and Liberal Judge Chris Taylor. The election was not for the balance of the Wisconsin State Supreme Court. The winning candidate would take the seat of conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley. The elected seat would tip the court either five-to-two or four-to-three in favor of liberals. 

Taylor won by a record-breaking margin, and Lazar called to concede the race shortly after the polls closed.

Interview with Justice Taylor

During an exclusive interview with Judge Taylor hours before her election night party, she said that she was feeling very good about the election. 

“I gave this campaign everything I had,” Taylor said. “This is a campaign about the people of the state of Wisconsin. I’m running to be a justice for them, to prioritize their rights and to make sure the people of Wisconsin have a fair and independent court that delivers justice to them.”

During the interview, Taylor put emphasis on the importance of eligible voters showing up to the polls to cast their votes and preserve the practice of democracy by electing their next justice. She stated that she cares very much about the voters and has dedicated her 30-year career in law to advocating for the people and their rights.

“I went to law school because I care about people,” Taylor said. “I care about their rights. We have to have a judiciary that is strong in protecting our right to speech and our right to vote.” 

Judge Taylor has an extensive resume in the practice of law. She worked as a private attorney in Milwaukee, representing “regular people.” She worked as an attorney for Planned Parenthood and has served for the last six years as a circuit court and appellate court judge. 

When asked if she was confident in the recently released Marquette polls, which had placed her ahead in the numbers by a slight margin, she stated that no candidate really knows until the polls close. 

Mobilizing Voters

Taylor said that she had gone everywhere in Wisconsin. “From the smallest town to the biggest city,” in an effort to mobilize voters. She would continue this work on election day in Milwaukee. 

“I’m hoping that people are inspired to get out and vote,” said Taylor. “The people of the state certainly inspired me in this campaign.”

Taylor stated that if young voters in the 29 and under age demographic voted in the same proportion as the older age demographics, they would determine the outcome of every election. 

“That’s exciting to me because we need you,” Taylor said. “We need you to step up and vote because this is your country. You are the next generation of leaders.”

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Winner Announced

The polls closed at 8 o’clock. People started filing into the event space at the Madison Concourse Hotel for Taylor’s election night party. They waited with bated breath as a large screen in the corner of the room showed live footage of the votes being tallied. 

“Well, of course, the preservation of democracy and healthcare issues,” said Madison resident and party goer Theodore Maglio when asked what policies in the election mattered most to him. “I think our healthcare is a national disgrace. It’s just a matter of money allocation.” 

Taylor ran on a campaign that highlighted the importance of fair rights for working-class families. As well as reproductive rights for women and families and equal justice for the people of Wisconsin. 

“I really wanted someone who was going to be good for Wisconsin and have a more progressive stance and support,” said University of Wisconsin-Madison employee Beth Reuter. “ I feel the majority of Wisconsinites agree with me.”

The majority of Wisconsinites did agree with her. Taylor won within 30 minutes.

Justice Taylor’s Acceptance Speech

At 9 p.m., Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Jill Karofsky took the stage surrounded by Judge Taylor’s family.

“What an exciting night for Wisconsin,” said Karofsky. “I am so honored to be here with you tonight to celebrate with you all.”  

Karofsky proceeded to thank every candidate whose name was on the ballot. She stated that judicial races at all levels are crucial for democracy and holding the judicial branch accountable. 

Karofsky described Taylor as “An independent and fair judge who is committed to the rule of law, giving every party in front of her a fair shot and treating everyone with kindness, dignity and respect.” 

Judge Taylor took the stage after the introduction. Her speech was full of love and gratitude for her family. As well as vow to uphold the statements made in her campaign. 

Taylor said, with relief, that her husband had been on hockey practice transportation duty for the past 11 months. She paid each individual in her family their due respect, even giving their “beloved family dog Ollie” a shoutout. The ecstatic crowd broke out into a chant for Ollie, which prompted an eruption of laughter in the room. 

Taylor stated that her mother had been a working-class unionized employee who had worked tirelessly to provide for her and her sister. This inspired her to advocate for the rights of the working class in Wisconsin. 

“Tonight we are remembering our mother who passed away in October, right when this campaign was getting going,” said Taylor after introducing her sister to the crowd. “I can’t help but wish she were with us, but this one’s for you mom!”