Judge Chris Taylor Launches Supreme Court Bid with Promise of People before Profits

MADISON, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – Judge Chris Taylor is officially launching her 2026 campaign for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Taylor is currently serving on the State Court of Appeals and joins Maggie Daun, host of The Maggie Daun Show, for her first live interview since the announcement earlier in the day.  

“I’ve really anticipated this day,” Taylor says “This race is about the people of Wisconsin and the kind of justice they deserve – someone who puts them first, not special interests or billionaires.”

Taylor, whose legal career spans three decades as an attorney, policymaker, and judge, emphasized her lifelong dedication to public service. And from her early days as a private practice attorney to her advocacy work with Planned Parenthood and tenure in the state legislature, she describes her path to the bench as deeply rooted in a desire to protect individual freedoms and access to justice.

Taylor acknowledges there are challenges ahead, especially in a political environment where Supreme Court races are increasingly combative and expensive.

“I know it’s a long road, but I have great faith and confidence in Wisconsinites,” she explains. “I’m undeterred by the partisan heat of recent judicial races. The government needs to work for the people, and the judiciary needs to be about the people.”

When asked how she would balance her past advocacy work and legislative background with the impartial role of a justice, Taylor points to her five years on the bench. 

“I understand the difference between a legislator and a judge. As a judge, I look at the law, I apply it to the facts, and I do it as fairly and independently as possible,” she says.

Taylor adds her experience in multiple branches of government gives her a unique perspective. 

“I’ve seen the law from every angle,” she explains. “That helps me understand legislative intent, policy implications, and most importantly — how laws affect real people.”

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Listen to the complete interview here at the halfway mark:

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Taylor will face off against incumbent Justice Rebecca Bradley in what is expected to be a high-stakes 2026 election. It could once again shift the balance of power on a court that has played a pivotal role in issues ranging from redistricting to reproductive rights.

In the final stages of the interview, Daun asks for a personal detail not listed on her campaign website. Taylor reveals she loves dogs. “I have a black Labrador named Ali.”

Learn more about Taylor on her website here.

Read Taylor’s initial announcement here.