MADISON, Wis. — Judge Susan Crawford has successfully maintained the slim liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court by defeating conservative candidate Brad Schimel, marking a significant moment in the state’s political landscape.
The election, which drew substantial funding from billionaire Elon Musk and his affiliated organizations, saw over $21 million spent to influence what is typically a low-profile judicial race. Furthermore, Musk incentivized voter participation by offering $1 million each to three individuals for signing a turnout petition, showcasing the election’s unique financial dynamics.
Crawford and her supporters positioned Musk’s involvement as an affront to fair elections, claiming he was attempting to “buy” the seat in the process, which shattered records for the most expensive judicial contest in U.S. history.
In her victory speech, Crawford stated, “Today Wisconsinites fended off an unprecedented attack on our democracy. Wisconsin stood up and declared that justice does not have a price and our courts are not for sale.”
Endorsed by Trump, Schimel’s campaign became a battleground for national political issues, with the state Supreme Court’s influence extending to critical matters of voting rights and redistricting ahead of the upcoming midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race.
Musk’s participation elevated the election’s stakes dramatically, labeling it as critical to the future of Western civilization in a call to voters. His super PAC also invested at least $6 million on grassroots canvassing efforts, reflecting strategies similar to those employed in past presidential races.
Despite the substantial financial backing, results indicated a challenging outcome for Musk. Schimel was trailing Crawford by four percentage points, solidifying other Republican candidates’ struggles as well.
Crawford experienced notable victories in areas that had previously supported Trump, indicating a shift in voter sentiment that may have been influenced by the scale of campaign spending. In Green Bay, for instance, where Musk held a campaign rally, Crawford outperformed Schimel in a county Trump had won by seven points last year.
Amid criticism of Musk’s approach, voters expressed concern over the implications of money in the electoral process. One Milwaukee student voiced the anxiety surrounding perceived attempts to undermine democracy through financial influence, reinforcing the notion that many Wisconsinites are wary of external involvement in their elections.
Democratic leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining fair elections, with accusations of Musk attempting to buy influence resonating among constituents. With the election’s outcome, the focus shifts to the implications for future races and the integrity of judicial independence in Wisconsin.
This election serves as a significant case study in the ongoing struggle between financial influence and democratic values in the U.S., particularly in battleground states like Wisconsin.
