Waukesha Times

Maria Lazar, a judge on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, has announced her candidacy for a ten-year seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court in the upcoming April 7, 2026 election. This decision follows Justice Rebecca Bradley's choice not to seek another term. The announcement was made on the social media platform X.

"After consulting with my family, friends, colleagues, and lots of prayer," said Lazar. "I am joining this race and asking for your support, strength, and most importantly. your vote on April 7, 2026 for State Supreme Court Justice."

According to TMJ4, Lazar's entry into the race comes at a pivotal moment as Bradley's departure creates a rare vacancy on the state's highest court. The outcome of this election will influence the court's direction through at least 2036. Local coverage highlights that Lazar joins a field already attracting attention due to Bradley’s decision and previous high-profile judicial contests in Wisconsin.

MyVote Wisconsin reports that the next statewide spring election is set for Tuesday, April 7, 2026, when voters will fill the open Supreme Court seat. Justices serve ten-year terms with only one justice elected each year. This structure underscores the long-term impact and significance of each election, as it shapes the court's future for a decade. The single-seat format also intensifies scrutiny on candidates' qualifications and judicial philosophies.

According to information from the Wisconsin Court System, Maria Lazar was elected to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals (District II) in 2022 after serving on the Waukesha County Circuit Court, where she won elections in both 2015 and 2021. Before her judicial career, she spent five years as an Assistant Attorney General at the Wisconsin Department of Justice and two decades in private civil practice. This combination of trial-court service, appellate work, and statewide litigation experience provides Lazar with a comprehensive background as she enters the 2026 race.

Lazar emphasizes her commitment to impartiality and constitutional fidelity in her campaign announcement. She highlights direct voter engagement and judicial restraint as key components of her approach. According to her biography from the Republican Party of Waukesha County, Lazar resides in Waukesha County with her husband Tom and their two adult children.