In a high-stakes race that shattered spending records, progressive candidate Susan Crawford emerged victorious in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, preserving the court’s 4-3 liberal majority. Crawford, a Dane County judge, defeated conservative Brad Schimel, who had significant backing from billionaires Elon Musk and Donald Trump.
Musk poured over $25 million into Schimel’s campaign, making the race the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history. He also campaigned personally in Wisconsin, hosting rallies and offering incentives like $100 for voters who signed petitions against “activist judges.” Despite Musk’s massive financial influence, the flood of cash was no match for the will of Wisconsin voters, and Crawford triumphed with 55% of the vote.
This race, particularly its record-breaking spending, underscores the growing influence of wealthy individuals like Musk in shaping U.S. politics. His high-profile involvement has reignited concerns about the outsized role of billionaires in American democracy—especially in judicial elections that should remain impartial and nonpartisan. The outcome also highlights the power of grassroots mobilization over moneyed interests.
Crawford’s win is a significant blow to Musk and Trump’s efforts to reshape the court in their favor. The result secures a liberal majority, which will likely influence key decisions on issues like abortion rights, labor protections, and even redistricting in the state. This victory is a hopeful sign for future electoral success, especially in battleground states like Wisconsin, where the stakes are high.
A huge thank you goes to everyone who wrote postcards, phone banked, and donated to Susan Crawford’s campaign. Your support was instrumental in making this victory possible. Together, we proved that when voters unite, we can overcome the influence of billionaires and take back our courts for the people.
Crawford’s victory signals a powerful message: voters are pushing back against the disproportionate influence of billionaires like Musk in our political system. As Crawford takes her seat in August, Wisconsin’s courts will continue to play a critical role in shaping the state’s future—and, by extension, the nation’s future.