Wisconsin - What to watch in 2026

Last updated: March 4, 2026

Update: Wisconsin’s abortion laws are still unsettled. A 2025 court ruling blocked enforcement of the state’s 1849 abortion ban, allowing abortion services to resume. However, the long-term legal status of abortion in Wisconsin could still change depending on future court decisions, legislation, and election outcomes.

Wisconsin is one of the states where elections can quickly influence women’s rights. The state is politically divided, and many policies are not protected by the state constitution. That means the direction of laws can change depending on who controls the legislature, the governor’s office, and the courts.

In recent years, major changes affecting women’s rights in Wisconsin have come through court rulings and legal interpretations rather than new legislation. Because of this, the state sits somewhere between places where rights are firmly protected and places where they are broadly restricted.

What’s at stake

Several areas of women’s rights in Wisconsin could shift depending on future political and legal decisions:

• Reproductive healthcare access
  After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Wisconsin returned to an abortion ban written in 1849. For a period of time, that law was treated as enforceable. In 2025, a court ruled that the law does not apply to abortion care provided by physicians, which allowed abortion services to resume.
• Today, abortion access in Wisconsin is governed by other state laws that regulate abortion as medical care. However, the state constitution does not guarantee a right to abortion. Because of that, access could change again through new legislation or future court rulings.
• Voting and civic participation
  Wisconsin has strict voter ID requirements and limits on absentee voting. Many of these rules have been shaped through court decisions interpreting existing laws rather than through new legislation. Because courts play a major role in interpreting election laws, voting rules in Wisconsin can shift depending on how judges interpret those laws over time.

What will be on the ballot — and when

Wisconsin voters will have the opportunity to participate in several elections that shape how women’s rights laws are written, interpreted, and enforced.

Spring election (April 7, 2026)

• Wisconsin Supreme Court
  Although Wisconsin Supreme Court races are officially nonpartisan, the court frequently decides cases involving abortion law, voting rules, and constitutional questions. When a seat is on the ballot, the outcome can shape state policy for years.

Partisan primary (August 11, 2026)

• State legislative races
  Primaries determine which candidates advance to the general election:
  • The Wisconsin State Assembly (all seats)
  • The Wisconsin State Senate (about half the chamber)

General election (November 3, 2026)

• Governor
• Wisconsin State Legislature
  • All State Assembly seats
  • Half of the State Senate seats
• U.S. House of Representatives

These offices influence whether new laws advance or stall, how existing laws are enforced or defended, and whether unresolved legal questions gain clarity or remain contested.

Election Resources

The following links provide official information about the ballot, voter registration, and elected representatives:

My Vote Wisconsin - check your registration status, find your polling place, and see what specific races will be on your ballot.
Ballotpedia - Wisconsin Supreme Court elections, 2026

Locate your district's representatives

• Who Represents Me - An interactive map and locator tool
• State Assembly - The official Assembly member directory
• State Senate - The official Senate directory

WRDI provides election context to support an informed understanding of how laws and policies change. The initiative does not endorse candidates or parties.