MILWAUKEE, WI (January 29, 2026) – WISN 12 is hosting a debate between the candidates running for the open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The ‘WISN 12 Commitment 2026 Wisconsin Supreme Court Debate’ will feature Wisconsin Court of Appeals Judges Maria Lazar and Chris Taylor. It will take place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
“This debate will bring clarity to the candidates’ judicial philosophies, going beyond the campaign ads and an increasingly polarized environment,” says Shawn Oswald, president and general manager of WISN 12. “Viewers can expect insightful questions, honest answers, and important dialogue, to ensure they’re informed before going to the ballot box.”
The ’WISN 12 Commitment 2026 Wisconsin Supreme Court Debate’ will be held in front of a live, invite-only audience at Lubar Center at Marquette University Law School’s Eckstein Hall. It is being moderated by WISN 12 News’ journalists Matt Smith and Gerron Jordan. In addition to being broadcast live on WISN 12, the debate will livestream on wisn.com and on ‘Very Local’ – WISN 12’s free streaming app.
The debate between the candidates for Wisconsin’s Supreme Court is being held ahead of the spring elections on April 7, 2026. While the outcome of the election will not affect the ideological balance of the state’s high court, it would either reduce or expand the existing liberal majority.
Along with being broadcast in Southeastern Wisconsin on WISN 12, the debate will be offered statewide on the WISN 12 UPFRONT partner stations in Green Bay (WBAY), Madison (WKOW), Wausau (WAOW), Eau Claire (WQOW) and La Crosse (WXOW), and will be done in collaboration with UPFRONT partner, WisPolitics. Please check local listings for complete schedules.
ABOUT WISN 12 AND HEARST TELEVISION WISN 12, the ABC affiliate in Milwaukee, has been proudly serving southeastern Wisconsin with trusted news, entertainment, and community engagement since 1954. WISN 12 is owned by Hearst Television. Hearst Television owns and/or operates 35 television and two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching 24 million U.S. television households. Through its partnership with nearly all major networks, Hearst Television distributes national content over more than 120 video channels including programming from ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, MY Net, MeTV, Estrella and more. The radio stations are leaders in Baltimore news/talk and rock music listenership. Its Hearst Media Production Group unit produces original programming across linear and streaming platforms for domestic and international distribution. Its Very Local app, free to download on household OTT devices and available across popular streaming services, offers 24/7 access to local news, weather and an array of local and regional programming. Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry’s premier companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. Hearst Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst.
