Trump and Elon Musk Face Setback as Wisconsin Elects Liberal Judge
WASHINGTON: In a political setback for Donald Trump and Elon Musk, Wisconsin voters rejected their preferred conservative candidate for the state’s Supreme Court, instead electing liberal judge Susan Crawford.
Despite Trump’s recent victories in two Florida House races, his attempt to secure a Republican judge for Wisconsin’s highest court fell short. US media reports confirmed that Crawford defeated Trump-backed candidate Brad Schimel in a closely watched race.
Trump’s Endorsement Fails
Trump had publicly endorsed Schimel, calling him a “Patriot” and labeling Crawford as a “Radical Left Liberal” in a social media post. He also accused Crawford of having a “history of letting child molesters and rapists off” and warned that her victory would be a “DISASTER.”
Musk’s Involvement in Wisconsin
Elon Musk actively campaigned for Schimel, supporting Trump’s broader goal of reducing government influence through conservative appointments. During a discussion on his social media platform, X, Musk claimed the Wisconsin election could decide the “fate of Western civilization.”
Over the weekend, Musk visited the state and engaged in tactics similar to his efforts in Trump’s presidential campaign—offering financial incentives to those signing petitions against so-called “activist judges.”
Democratic Opposition and Election Significance
Senator Bernie Sanders responded to Musk’s involvement by urging voters to “reject the oligarchy buying our elections.” The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is critical, as its rulings influence key matters like voting district boundaries and election policies.
Republican Wins in Florida
Meanwhile, in Florida, two congressional seats were up for grabs following vacancies left by Trump’s former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and former Attorney General nominee Matt Gaetz. Republican candidates Randy Fine and Jimmy Patronis won both races, securing Trump’s hold on the deep-red state.
Trump celebrated the victories on social media, emphasizing the strength of his endorsements. He declared that his backing was more powerful than “the Democrats’ forces of evil.”
Record-Breaking Spending in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin judicial race set new records for campaign spending. Musk played a significant financial role, donating approximately $277 million to Trump’s 2024 election efforts and contributing $12.2 million through his America PAC in support of Schimel. In total, Schimel’s campaign and its allies spent over $53.3 million, while Crawford and her backers allocated an estimated $45.1 million.
Musk’s rally in Green Bay drew passionate supporters, but his deep involvement in Wisconsin politics also sparked backlash. At a pro-Crawford rally, a protester held a sign depicting Musk giving a straight-armed salute, with the message: “Our Supreme Court is not for sale.”
