MADISON, Wis. — In a landmark judicial election, Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford has been elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, preserving the court’s 4-3 liberal majority for at least the next three years. Crawford’s decisive victory over Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel, a conservative backed by President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, marks a significant shift in the state’s judicial landscape.
The election, held on April 1, 2025, garnered national attention due to its unprecedented campaign expenditures, making it the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history. Total spending approached $100 million, with Musk alone contributing over $25 million to support Schimel’s campaign. Despite this substantial financial backing, Crawford secured approximately 55% of the vote, winning by a margin of about ten percentage points.
Crawford’s victory is poised to have profound implications for Wisconsin’s legal and political landscape. The liberal majority on the Supreme Court is expected to influence forthcoming decisions on critical issues such as abortion rights, union laws, and electoral redistricting. Democrats view this win as an opportunity to challenge and potentially overturn legislation enacted during former Republican Governor Scott Walker’s tenure.
The campaign was marked by intense debates over judicial impartiality and the influence of substantial external funding. Crawford faced criticism for attending events linked to Democratic donors and for receiving significant contributions from billionaire George Soros. Conversely, Schimel’s campaign was bolstered by Musk’s substantial financial support and personal involvement, including campaign appearances and voter incentives.
Voter turnout reached unprecedented levels for a judicial election, reflecting the heightened public interest and the high stakes associated with the court’s composition. Analysts suggest that the liberal response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, galvanized voters and contributed to Crawford’s success.
In her victory speech, Crawford emphasized her commitment to upholding judicial independence and resisting external influences. “This election was about preserving the integrity of our judiciary and ensuring that justice is administered fairly, without bias or undue influence,” she stated.
The outcome represents a notable setback for President Trump and Elon Musk, both of whom invested considerable political and financial capital into securing a conservative majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Musk’s involvement, in particular, has been scrutinized, with critics questioning the appropriateness of such significant external influence in state judicial elections.
Looking ahead, the court’s liberal majority is anticipated to play a pivotal role in shaping Wisconsin’s legal framework on several contentious issues. Cases concerning abortion rights, collective bargaining, and voter ID laws are likely to come before the court, with potential ramifications extending beyond the state’s borders.
Crawford is set to assume her position on the bench on August 1, 2025. Her election not only cements a liberal stronghold on the Wisconsin Supreme Court but also signals a broader shift in the state’s political dynamics, reflecting evolving voter priorities and the diminishing influence of external financial interventions in judicial races.