Maria Lazar, a conservative-backed candidate and Waukesha County Circuit Court judge, defeated left-leaning state Court of Appeals Judge Lori Kornblum for the six-year term.
Defeating the incumbent comfortably, according to unofficial results, Lazar picked up 55 percent of the vote, compared to Kornblum’s 45 percent.
The new Court of Appeals judge will now sit on the bench covering 12 counties in the southeastern portion of the state.
Lazar ran as a “law and order” candidate, connecting Kornblum’s judicial and criminal philosophy to the Waukesha Christmas parade attack.
Many individuals have placed blame on the Milwaukee County district attorney’s office, where Kornblum previously worked, for handing the attacker release after posting $1,000 bail just days before the attack.
In fact, Lazar was endorsed by the Milwaukee Police Association:
“The Milwaukee Police Association is honored to endorse your candidacy for Wisconsin Court of Appeals District II Seat for the 2022 April elections. During these increasingly trying times, the over 1,400 men and women of the Milwaukee Police Association appreciate leaders like you who are willing to stand and advocate for Law Enforcement Professionals,” said Andrew Wagner, Vice President of the group said.
Furthermore, Kornblum’s connections to Democrats may have hurt her chances at re-election, as polls have shown an uphill battle for many incumbents connected to the political party.
In addition to endorsements from many labor unions and Attorney General Josh Kaul, the judge had previous connections to Governor Tony Evers.
In 2021, Evers appointed Kornblum to the seat. She is now the second Evers appointee in two years to be defeated by a conservative challenger.
“With decades of faithful service defending the rights of those who are the most vulnerable, Lori has demonstrated her commitment to building strong communities by supporting the well-being of every community member. With Lori’s experience and values, she will be a great appellate judge for the people of Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers when he appointed her.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Wisconsin Daily Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Maria Lazar” by Maria Lazar.Â
