With just two weeks until the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, recent polling shows liberal Judge Chris Taylor is ahead of conservative Judge Maria Lazar. However, over half of voters are still undecided.
The Marquette University Law School poll surveyed 850 registered voters this month. It found 23% support Taylor and 17% back Lazar, while 53% are unsure. Notably, Democrats appear more excited about this upcoming election than Republicans.
In previous races, heavy spending was common, but this year’s contest seems to be quieter. Only 12% of respondents reported hearing much about the race, a slight drop from last month. Pollster Charles Franklin noted that while awareness has increased, the number is still surprisingly low compared to last year’s elections, where nearly 40% of voters felt informed.
Currently, liberals hold a 4-3 majority on the court. If Lazar wins, that balance won’t change, but a Taylor win would extend the liberal majority to 5-2. Interestingly, 75% of voters mistakenly believe the court’s liberal majority is up for grabs.
Democratic Enthusiasm and Voter Engagement
The Marquette poll reveals that Democrats are significantly more energized about the April 7 election. About 77% of Democrats say they will definitely vote, compared to 59% of Republicans. Additionally, 65% of Democrats consider the election’s outcome very important, while only 46% of Republicans feel the same. This enthusiasm could play a crucial role in the election’s results.
Looking Ahead: Other Races and Public Sentiment
In another notable local race, state Rep. Francesca Hong leads among Democrats running for governor, but most voters are not yet paying attention. Only two candidates, Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and former Democratic Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, have name recognition above 50%.
In a broader political context, President Trump’s approval ratings in Wisconsin are concerning. Currently, 56% of respondents disapprove of his performance, yielding a net approval rating of -14—a record low for him. Franklin highlighted that while Republicans may still support Trump, independent voters, crucial for winning elections, are increasingly aligning with Democrats.
Conclusion
As the election approaches, it will be interesting to see if the enthusiasm among Democrats translates into higher voter turnout. This could shape not just the Supreme Court race but future elections in Wisconsin. The Marquette survey, conducted from March 11-18, has a margin of error of ±4.4%, giving a glimpse into the evolving political landscape in the state.
For more information, you can access the full details of the Marquette University Law School poll.
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