Susan Crawford, the Democratic-backed candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, achieved a commanding victory on Tuesday, defeating Republican-backed Brad Schimel in a record-breaking election. This win solidifies a liberal majority on the court for at least the next three years.
Crawford, a Dane County judge with a track record of supporting union rights, abortion access, and opposing voter ID laws, celebrated her victory with the court’s four liberal justices. She framed her success as a win for democracy, taking aim at Elon Musk, who invested heavily in Schimel’s campaign.
“Growing up in Chippewa Falls, I never imagined I’d take on the richest man in the world for justice in Wisconsin,” Crawford said. “And we won.”
Musk and related groups spent over $21 million on Schimel’s campaign, with Musk personally donating $1 million to voters days before the election. However, Crawford’s campaign overcame these efforts, emphasizing resistance to external influence in Wisconsin’s judiciary.
“Today, Wisconsinites stood strong against an unprecedented attack on our democracy, our fair elections, and our Supreme Court,” Crawford stated. “Wisconsin loudly declared that justice has no price and our courts are not for sale.”
A Pivotal Election
Crawford’s victory comes amid national attention, with the Wisconsin Supreme Court holding significant power over election laws and redistricting. Both parties saw the outcome as crucial, making the race a barometer of political sentiment under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Turnout exceeded 52%, surpassing the previous record of nearly 40% in 2023. Spending in the race approached $100 million, making it the most expensive judicial election in US history.
Schimel, a former state attorney general, conceded despite the frustration of his supporters. At his election night event, one attendee shouted “Cheater, cheater!” but Schimel urged them to accept the results.
“No,” Schimel said. “You’ve got to accept the results.”
In a curious move, Schimel played bass guitar with his cover band before and after his concession, performing songs by the Allman Brothers and Tom Petty.
Key Issues: Abortion, Redistricting, and Judicial Integrity
Crawford’s campaign was supported by Planned Parenthood and other abortion rights advocates, while Schimel tried to paint her as weak on crime and overly aligned with Democrats. Musk, Trump, and other conservatives rallied behind Schimel, fearing that a liberal-controlled court could redraw congressional maps and repeal GOP-backed laws on collective bargaining rights for public sector workers.
Crawford, in turn, criticized Schimel’s ties to Musk and Trump, even dubbing him “Elon Schimel” during a debate.
Looking Ahead: The Court’s Influence
With Crawford’s win, the court retains its 4-3 liberal majority until at least April 2028, making it a powerful force in shaping policies on abortion, union rights, election rules, and redistricting.
Trump had recognized the court’s significance ahead of the election, emphasizing that “winning Wisconsin’s a big deal, so the Supreme Court choice… it’s a big race.”
Musk, following the election, remained silent on his platform X, posting unrelated content about Vietnam and trade tariffs. Trump, who endorsed Schimel just before the election, also did not comment immediately.
Historic Spending and Outside Influence
The election became the most expensive state Supreme Court race in US history, with total spending approaching $99 million, far surpassing the previous $51 million set in 2023.
Musk personally contributed $3 million to Schimel’s campaign, with groups he funded adding another $18 million. He also distributed $1 million checks to voters who signed a petition opposing “activist” judges.
Crawford’s campaign received backing from Democratic figures, including former President Barack Obama and billionaire donors like George Soros and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also campaigned for her in Wisconsin.
Voter Motivations
Voters across the state had varied reasons for their choices. In Waunakee, Iraq War veteran Taylor Sullivan, 39, voted for Schimel due to his strong law enforcement support. Meanwhile, college student Kenneth Gifford, 22, from Milwaukee, backed Crawford to resist Musk’s influence in politics.
“I want an actual, respectable democracy,” Gifford stated.
Crawford’s win ensures the court’s liberal majority will remain intact, cementing its influence on key state issues for years to come.
