Victory Over Musk-Backed Opponent Secures Liberal Majority in State’s Highest Court

Liberal judge Susan Crawford secured a decisive victory on Tuesday in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, defeating conservative Brad Schimel in an election that became the most expensive judicial contest in U.S. history. Crawford’s win ensures liberals retain a 4-3 majority on the court, which is set to hear pivotal cases on abortion rights, labour laws, and electoral districting.

Schimel, a former Republican attorney general from Waukesha County, had received substantial financial backing from Elon Musk and affiliated groups, who poured millions into his campaign. Despite this, Crawford, a judge from Dane County, prevailed by nearly 10 percentage points with 84% of votes counted.

A Rebuke to Outside Influence
Speaking to supporters in Madison, Crawford described her victory as a stand against external interference in the state’s judicial system. “Tonight, Wisconsin has defended democracy against an unprecedented assault,” she declared. “Justice is not for sale.”

Schimel conceded the race, acknowledging the insurmountable margin. Addressing his supporters, he urged them to accept the results, saying, “The numbers won’t change. We fought hard, but we fell short.”

Musk, reacting to the loss, criticised the outcome, claiming that “the left’s long game is judicial corruption.” However, he noted that a ballot measure on voter ID requirements had passed, which he considered a critical win.

Record-Breaking Election and National Implications
The election saw extraordinary levels of spending, exceeding $80 million—surpassing the previous record of $51 million set in 2023. Musk alone contributed over $20 million, employing aggressive campaign tactics, including financial incentives for petition signers and high-dollar donations to sway voters.

Democrats seized on Musk’s involvement, rallying grassroots support and positioning the election as a test case against billionaire influence in politics. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who ran as Kamala Harris’s running mate in 2024, took to social media to celebrate, posting: “Wisconsin beat the billionaire.”

Elizabeth Warren echoed this sentiment, stating, “Wisconsin cannot be bought. Our democracy is not for sale.” Meanwhile, the Democratic Party’s official account simply posted: “Loser,” alongside an image of Musk at a Green Bay rally wearing Wisconsin’s signature “cheese head” hat.

High Turnout and Shifting Political Landscape
Milwaukee, the state’s largest city, reported record voter participation for a spring election, with polling stations running out of ballots due to unexpectedly high turnout.

Crawford’s win in Brown County, where Trump had secured an eight-point victory in the 2024 presidential election, signalled potential voter shifts. Some analysts caution against overinterpreting judicial election results as national political indicators, but Democratic strategists see it as a promising sign for future races.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin framed the victory as a rejection of corporate influence, stating: “Wisconsinites have spoken—our elections and our courts are not for sale.”

Looking Ahead
Crawford, reflecting on the campaign, described it as a “life-changing experience” but emphasised her focus on serving the people from the bench. She concluded her speech with a light-hearted moment, wishing her mother a happy birthday and quipping: “I know you’re relieved the campaign ads are finally over.”