The Democratic-backed candidate, Susan Crawford, clinched a decisive win in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, defeating Elon Musk‘s backed Republican candidate, Brad Schimel.
Her victory secures a 4-3 liberal majority on the court until at least 2028, delivering a significant setback for conservative aspirations. The race broke records with $99 million in spending and a voter turnout of 52%, making it the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, surpassing the previous 2023 record of $51 million.
Susan Crawford has won a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, defeating Brad Schimel. pic.twitter.com/u71nOAqzhk
— VoteHub (@VoteHubUS) April 2, 2025Crawford, a Dane County judge known for championing union rights, abortion access, and opposing voter ID laws, celebrated alongside the court’s four liberal justices. She framed her win as a stand against billionaire Elon Musk, who poured over $21 million into Schimel’s campaign. “Growing up in Chippewa Falls, I never imagined taking on the world’s richest man for justice in Wisconsin,” Crawford said. “Today, Wisconsinites said justice isn’t for sale.”
Elon Musk put on a cheesehead, threw $20 million at Wisconsin, and still got dunked on.
He paid people to collect signatures, paid people to canvas, and even tried bribing voters with million-dollar giveaways.
Judge Susan Crawford easily defeated Musk’s handpicked candidate. pic.twitter.com/nsAjXKH1LW
— Shea Jordan Smith (@shea_jordan) April 2, 2025This election, an early gauge of sentiment under President Donald Trump, drew national attention. The court’s sway over election laws and redistricting made it a battleground. Musk’s $3 million direct contribution, plus $18 million from his groups, fueled Schimel’s bid, while Crawford drew support from Barack Obama, George Soros, and JB Pritzker.
Trump backed Schimel, warning a liberal court could hurt Republicans on maps and union laws. Schimel conceded gracefully, even playing bass with his rock band, covering Tom Petty.
Crawford’s win solidifies liberal control, setting the stage for rulings on abortion, unions, and elections. Voters like Iraq vet Taylor Sullivan, 39, backed Schimel for his law enforcement stance, while Milwaukee student Kenneth Gifford, 22, supported Crawford to counter Musk’s influence. “I want a real democracy,” Gifford said. With the court’s future set, its decisions will ripple through Wisconsin and beyond for years.
