Wisconsin Supreme Court Begins Term With Liberal Supermajority

The Wisconsin Supreme Court began its September term with a 5-2 liberal supermajority following the April 2026 election victory of Justice Chris Taylor. The court's liberal wing includes Chief Justice Jill Karofsky and justices Taylor, Rebecca Dallet, Janet Protasiewicz, and Susan Crawford, while conservative justices Annette Ziegler and Brian Hagedorn remain.

The court faces several high-profile cases, including challenges to state congressional maps. A lawsuit brought by Wisconsin Business Leaders for Democracy argues the maps constitute an anti-competitive and partisan gerrymander, with oral arguments scheduled for September 16.

Other pending matters include a potential appeal to restore collective bargaining rights for public sector employees by challenging parts of the 2011 Act 10 law. The court is also considering a petition from the Democratic National Committee regarding the authority of circuit courts to extend polling hours, a matter where Justice Annette Ziegler dissented against expediting briefings.

Additionally, the court may adopt a more holistic approach to interpreting state statutes, which would redefine its existing legal framework.