In a stunning victory for Democrats, liberal judge Susan Crawford won a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday, defeating conservative Brad Schimel in what has been dubbed the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history. Crawford’s triumph over the former Republican attorney general, whose campaign was heavily supported by tech billionaire Elon Musk, was framed by Democrats as a rejection of Musk and former President Donald Trump’s influence in the state.
Crawford, a judge from Dane County, secured a nearly 10-point lead over Schimel, a Waukesha County conservative, with over 84% of votes counted. The race, which saw an unprecedented $80 million in spending, shattered the previous record of $51 million set in the 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court contest. Musk and affiliated groups poured more than $20 million into Schimel’s campaign, employing tactics reminiscent of those used to support Trump’s presidential bid last fall, including offering $100 for petition signatures and $1 million checks to voters.
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Speaking to supporters at her election night headquarters in Madison, Crawford hailed the win as a stand against an “unprecedented attack on our democracy.” “Wisconsinites said loudly that justice does not have a price. Our courts are not for sale,” she declared. The victory ensures liberals maintain a 4-3 majority on the state’s highest court, a balance critical for upcoming cases on abortion, collective bargaining rights, and potentially redrawing Wisconsin’s congressional districts, which currently favor Republicans.
Schimel conceded the race in a call to Crawford before addressing his supporters, urging them to accept the outcome despite their disappointment. “The numbers aren’t gonna turn around,” he said. “We’re not gonna pull this off.”
The election drew massive voter turnout, with Milwaukee reporting “historic” participation for a spring election. Seven polling places in the city ran out of ballots due to the surge, prompting officials to rush additional resources to voters.
Democrats capitalized on Musk’s involvement to rally their base, portraying the race as a referendum on his growing political influence. State Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler noted a surge in grassroots donations and volunteer support after Musk’s role became public, with messaging highlighting his backing of Schimel resonating with disengaged voters. “Growing up in Chippewa Falls, I never thought I’d be taking on the richest man in the world for justice,” Crawford told the crowd. “And we won.”
Musk had framed the race as pivotal, suggesting it “might decide the future of America and western civilization” due to its potential impact on congressional maps. However, voters like Jeannine Ramsey, a 65-year-old Madison resident, said Musk’s support for Schimel pushed her to back Crawford, citing concerns over fair rulings on key issues.
The outcome marks a significant setback for Musk’s political ambitions and a triumph for Democrats in a battleground state, reinforcing Wisconsin’s role as a testing ground for national political strategies.
Key Points:
Liberal Victory: Susan Crawford, a liberal judge from Dane County, won a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, defeating conservative Brad Schimel, a former Republican attorney general from Waukesha County.
Historic Spending: The election was the most expensive judicial contest in U.S. history, with over $80 million spent, surpassing the previous record of $51 million from the 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court race.
Musk’s Involvement: Elon Musk and affiliated groups invested more than $20 million to support Schimel, using tactics like offering $100 for petition signatures and $1 million checks to voters, framing the race as critical to “the future of America and western civilization.”
Democratic Framing: Democrats portrayed the race as a referendum on Musk and Donald Trump’s influence, energizing voters and boosting grassroots donations and turnout after Musk’s role became public.
Crawford’s Message: Crawford celebrated the win as a defense against an “unprecedented attack on our democracy,” emphasizing that “justice does not have a price” and “our courts are not for sale.”
Court Majority: The victory preserves a 4-3 liberal majority on the court, which will address significant cases on abortion, collective bargaining, and potentially redrawing congressional districts currently favoring Republicans.
Schimel’s Concession: Schimel conceded the race, acknowledging the insurmountable vote gap and urging supporters to accept the results.
High Turnout: Milwaukee reported “historic” voter turnout for a spring election, with seven polling places running out of ballots due to the surge.
Voter Sentiment: Some voters, like Jeannine Ramsey, supported Crawford specifically to oppose Musk’s influence, citing concerns over fair rulings on key issues.
