Chris Taylor backs Colón for Wisconsin court

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MADISON — The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s next new justice is endorsing state Appeals Judge Pedro Colón in the next race for a seat on the state’s highest court.

State Appeals Judge Chris Taylor, who is joining the court’s liberal majority this summer after a 20-point victory over a conservative candidate earlier this month, said her appeals court colleague “is exactly the kind of justice Wisconsin needs on its Supreme Court.”

“His depth of judicial and life experience would be a welcome and important perspective to the court,” Taylor said in a statement.

“Over his 15 years on the bench, he has proven to be a fair and impartial judge who treats everyone that comes before his court with dignity and respect. I have seen his work up close. I know his record. And I know he has the experience, the judgment, and the steady temperament the people of Wisconsin deserve on their highest court.”

Like Taylor, Colón also served as a Democratic member of the state Assembly before becoming a judge. Her endorsement is the first from members of the court.

Colón joined the race earlier this week. Clark County Circuit Judge Lyndsey Brunette, also a liberal candidate, entered the race earlier this month. No names have yet been floated on the conservative side for the 2027 race.

The general election next year is April 6. If other candidates enter a February primary will narrow the field to two.

After Taylor’s win earlier this month, the liberal majority on the court grows to 5-2 when she takes the bench in August.

A spokesman for Brunette declined to comment on the endorsement. Brunette has been endorsed so far by 24 judges across the state.