Gov. Evers appoints State Sen. Lena Taylor to Milwaukee County Circuit Court 

MADISON, Wisc. — On Thursday, Gov. Tony Evers appointed State Senator Lena Taylor, a Democrat representing Milwaukee, to an open Milwaukee County Circuit Court judgeship. Ms. Taylor will fill the vacancy created last month by Judge Audrey Skwierawski’s resignation and serve the remainder of the term ending in July 2025.

The appointment drew praise from local leaders and lawmakers who highlighted Ms. Taylor’s long record of public service. “Senator Taylor is a committed public servant who has dedicated her life to pursuing justice for her community and the people of Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers in a statement. “I am confident that she will serve the people of Milwaukee County well as a circuit court judge.”

Ms. Taylor, 57, has served Wisconsin’s 4th Senate District, centered in Milwaukee, since 2005. She previously served two terms in the State Assembly. As a legislator, she authored over 120 bills signed into law and chaired the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee.

Before entering politics, Ms. Taylor worked as a public defender and opened a private legal practice in Milwaukee focused on criminal, business, real estate and family law. Supporters said that her diverse legal career and life experiences in the city made her well-prepared to serve on the court.

“Senator Taylor has proven herself to be up to the task of public service and is ready on day one to excel,” said State Rep. Evan Goyke, a fellow Milwaukee Democrat. “Senator Taylor has proven her commitment through her work when the cameras aren’t rolling, and no election is approaching.”

Ms. Taylor said she was “honored” by the appointment. “It is with great honor that I both thank the people of the 4th SD for the opportunity to serve them since 2005 and Governor Evers for the opportunity to take my life experiences, constant quest for the truth, and unwavering commitment to equity and justice for all to the Circuit Court,” she said in a statement.

She resigned her Senate seat effective immediately upon accepting the judgeship. Her time on the bench will last until the next judicial election in spring 2025.