Susan Crawford has secured a crucial victory in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, defeating conservative candidate Brad Schimel.
Her win ensures that the court’s 4-3 liberal majority remains intact, despite massive financial backing for Schimel from billionaire Elon Musk and vocal support from former President Donald Trump.
This wasn’t just another judicial election—it was a high-stakes battle with national implications. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has been at the center of rulings on abortion, redistricting, and voting rights.
With control of the court hanging in the balance, both sides poured unprecedented amounts of money into the race.
Musk’s super PAC, America PAC, spent over $12 million to boost Schimel’s campaign, while he personally handed out $1 million checks to voters who signed his petition against what he called “activist judges.”
Trump also threw his weight behind Schimel, urging his supporters to turn out. But despite their efforts, Wisconsin voters rejected their influence.
Crawford’s campaign focused on issues that directly impact Wisconsin residents. She championed reproductive rights, voting access, and fair redistricting—topics that resonated with voters concerned about the direction of the state’s judiciary.
The Wisconsin Democratic Party invested at least $10 million in her campaign, and she secured endorsements from influential figures, including former President Barack Obama.
Her victory signals a pushback against conservative efforts to reshape the legal landscape. Voter turnout surged, particularly among young people and women, indicating strong support for Crawford’s stance on critical issues.
For Musk, this election was a test of his political influence—and he lost. His unprecedented spending and aggressive campaigning for Schimel failed to sway voters.
Trump, too, faced another setback, as his endorsement did not translate into victory. The loss raises questions about their ability to shape future elections, especially as they gear up for the 2024 presidential race.
This outcome also serves as a warning to wealthy political influencers: money alone doesn’t guarantee electoral success. Grassroots organizing and issue-based campaigning proved to be more powerful forces in Wisconsin.
With Crawford on the bench, the Wisconsin Supreme Court is expected to take a more progressive approach to several critical cases:
- Abortion Rights: The court will soon rule on Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban, which could determine access to reproductive healthcare in the state.
- Legislative Maps: Future rulings on redistricting could reshape political power, potentially weakening Republican dominance in the state legislature and influencing control of the U.S. House.
- Union Rights: Crawford’s presence on the bench may lead to a reevaluation of Act 10, the controversial law that restricted collective bargaining for public employees.
Her victory also adds momentum to recent Democratic successes in special elections across the country. If this trend continues, it could reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2024 elections.
Crawford’s win is more than just a judicial appointment—it’s a testament to the power of grassroots activism and voter engagement. Her campaign harnessed local energy, mobilized communities, and focused on real issues that affect everyday Wisconsinites.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Wisconsin voters sent a message that courts should protect rights, not roll them back. And in the face of billionaire spending and high-profile endorsements, the people’s voice still holds power.