In a decisive victory, Democrat-backed candidate Susan Crawford has won the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, defeating conservative contender Brad Schimel, who was endorsed by Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump.
A Major Win for Liberals
Crawford’s victory ensures a 4-3 liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court for at least the next three years, preserving Democratic influence over crucial state decisions. The court, which has played a pivotal role in shaping Wisconsin’s political landscape, will likely continue ruling on key issues such as abortion rights, redistricting, and voting laws.
Election Results & Record Turnout
Crawford secured a commanding lead of more than 8 percentage points, defeating Schimel by approximately 191,000 votes. Voter enthusiasm was unprecedented, with turnout surpassing 52%, smashing the previous record of nearly 40% in a state Supreme Court race.
The Most Expensive Judicial Race in U.S. History
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election shattered spending records, with over $90 million poured into the race by candidates and outside groups. This makes it the most expensive judicial election in American history, underscoring the growing national importance of state Supreme Court battles.
What’s Next?
With Crawford’s win, Democrats have secured their hold on Wisconsin’s highest court, potentially influencing future legal battles over election laws and state governance. Meanwhile, conservatives will likely regroup and strategize for the next judicial contest in three years.
This election underscores the increasing politicization of state judicial races and their far-reaching implications on policy and governance. Stay tuned as Wisconsin’s Supreme Court takes on high-stakes legal challenges in the years ahead.
