Susan Crawford has emerged victorious in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race, preserving the liberal majority on the state’s highest court. The election was marked by a significant campaign effort from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who spent over $15 million in support of Crawford’s opponent, former Republican attorney general Brad Schimel.
Election Overview
- Crawford, a Dane County circuit judge backed by Democrats, won the most expensive state Supreme Court race in U.S. history.
- The election marks the first major battleground contest of President Donald Trump’s second term.
- Musk’s campaign efforts included distributing $1 million checks to Wisconsin voters at campaign events, a move that was widely criticized.
Reaction from Crawford
“As a little girl growing up in Chippewa Falls, I never could have imagined that I’d be taking on the richest man in the world for justice in Wisconsin,” Crawford said in a statement to supporters. “And we won.”
Significance of the Outcome
The outcome represents a significant setback for Musk, who had invested heavily in the campaign. The result may also serve as a template for future contests, as Democrats deployed an anti-Musk strategy that ultimately proved successful.
Other Election Results
- Wisconsin voters approved a constitutional amendment enshrining voter ID requirements.
- Incumbent superintendent Jill Underly defeated conservative challenger Brittany Kinser.
Implications for Future Elections
The anti-Musk strategy deployed by Democrats may have implications for future contests, as the billionaire continues his political involvement through campaign contributions and other efforts. The outcome of this election will likely be closely watched by politicians and analysts ahead of the 2026 midterms.