Susan Crawford Wins Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Amid Record Spending

In a significant electoral outcome for the state of Wisconsin, liberal candidate Susan Crawford defeated her conservative opponent, Brad Schimel, in a race that has been dubbed the most expensive state Supreme Court election in American history. The election, held on April 1, 2025, saw nearly $100 million spent, underscoring the high stakes involved as voters chose between two ideologically opposed candidates.

Crawford's victory ensures that the Wisconsin Supreme Court will maintain its 4-3 liberal majority, a crucial factor in a state that has become a battleground for national political interests. The race was heavily influenced by prominent figures such as President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, who both aimed to sway the outcome in favor of Schimel, the former state Attorney General.

Elon Musk, who has previously aligned himself with Trump, made headlines by asserting that the "entire destiny of humanity" hinged on the election's outcome, a claim that drew both support and skepticism from voters. His financial backing for Schimel was substantial, with reports indicating that Musk and affiliated political groups spent approximately $21 million to support his campaign. This included direct contributions as well as controversial incentives for voters, such as offering $1 million checks to individuals who had already cast their ballots.

The election was not just a local contest but a proxy battle reflecting broader national tensions. Trump had endorsed Schimel, labeling Crawford a “DISASTER” on social media, claiming she was too liberal even for her own party. In contrast, Crawford received support from former President Barack Obama and other Democratic figures, framing her as a defender of democratic values against perceived overreach by conservative interests.

As the votes were counted, Crawford held a commanding lead, ultimately winning by an 11-point margin. With 98 percent of the votes tallied, she garnered around 55.7% compared to Schimel's 44.3%. This electoral success was particularly noteworthy given Wisconsin's recent political history, where Trump won the state in the 2024 presidential election by a narrow margin of 0.8 percentage points against Democrat Kamala Harris.

The financial stakes of this election were staggering. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, nearly $99 million was spent in total, with Schimel's campaign accounting for approximately $53 million and Crawford's for about $45 million. Major donors included well-known figures such as George Soros and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who funneled significant funds into Crawford's campaign. The unprecedented spending reflects the heightened importance both parties placed on this judicial race, which could influence key issues such as abortion rights and gerrymandering in Wisconsin.

In the lead-up to the election, Musk's involvement sparked controversy, particularly his strategy of incentivizing voter participation. Critics argued that his tactics, including payments for social media posts supporting Schimel, were ethically questionable. Despite this, Musk's rally in Green Bay drew an impressive crowd of around 2,000 supporters, illustrating his ability to mobilize conservative voters.

However, the election results indicate that Musk's financial clout may not have translated into electoral success. Schimel, despite receiving substantial funding and Trump’s endorsement, fell short in several key areas, including Brown County, which Trump had previously won by a significant margin.

In addition to the Supreme Court race, Wisconsin voters also approved an amendment to the state constitution requiring photo identification for voters, a move celebrated by Musk and Trump as a victory against voter fraud. This amendment solidifies existing voter ID laws, making it more challenging for future efforts to roll back such requirements.

The implications of Crawford's win extend beyond state lines, serving as a bellwether for the upcoming midterm elections. Many view this election as a reflection of voter sentiment towards Trump’s administration and its policies, particularly in a state that has oscillated between Democratic and Republican control in recent years.

As the dust settles on this contentious election, both parties are left to ponder their strategies moving forward. For Republicans, the loss is a stark reminder that even with significant financial backing and high-profile endorsements, the political landscape can shift rapidly. Meanwhile, Democrats are buoyed by Crawford's victory, viewing it as a crucial step in preserving liberal values in a state that has seen intense partisan battles.

Looking ahead, the results of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race could influence legislative decisions on critical issues, including abortion rights and redistricting, as the court is expected to hear cases on these topics in the near future. With the balance of power at stake, both parties will undoubtedly continue to invest heavily in judicial races across the country, recognizing their potential to shape policy for years to come.

In the wake of the election, Crawford expressed her gratitude to supporters, stating, “Today Wisconsinites fended off an unprecedented attack on our democracy.” Her victory speech resonated with many voters who view the Supreme Court as a pivotal institution in safeguarding civil rights and ensuring fair representation.

This election serves as a reminder of the increasingly polarized nature of American politics, where judicial races are no longer seen as merely local contests but as critical battlegrounds in the fight for ideological dominance. As the nation moves toward the midterms, all eyes will be on Wisconsin, a state that continues to play a crucial role in the broader political narrative.