In a highly anticipated race, liberal candidate Susan Crawford secured a stunning victory in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, defying the immense financial backing from Elon Musk and aligning with former President Donald Trump. This victory not only marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape but also sends a message to both Republicans and the billionaire backers trying to influence the judicial system. Let’s break down the key points of the election, its political significance, and what this could mean for the future of the state and national politics.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Election: A Historic Battle for the Bench
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race, while officially nonpartisan, became a political battleground that pitted two highly polarised candidates against each other. On one side was Susan Crawford, the liberal candidate, backed by national Democratic interests, and on the other, Brad Schimel, a conservative former attorney general with strong ties to Republican power brokers.
What made this race so notable was the unprecedented funding that poured into it, largely from Elon Musk and other influential donors. With Musk spending a reported $20 million and becoming a central figure in the race, it quickly turned into one of the most expensive judicial elections in U.S. history, shattering previous records.
Musk, who has invested millions in the political arena, sought to influence the race, hoping that his financial backing would help Schimel secure a victory. This, in turn, would allow the Republican Party to maintain its foothold in the state’s judiciary, which has been crucial for decisions on everything from abortion rights to union organising.
The Outcome: Liberal Victory in a Crucial Swing State
Despite the massive financial backing, the results of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race were clear—Susan Crawford defeated Brad Schimel with a comfortable 54% to 46% margin. The victory was a significant blow to both Elon Musk and Donald Trump, who had hoped to influence the judicial process in the state.
Crawford’s win solidifies the liberal majority on the court, which will now be a 4-3 split, strengthening the chances of more progressive rulings on key issues like abortion rights and voting laws. It’s also a strong signal from Wisconsin voters that they are pushing back against the growing influence of big-money donors in the state’s judicial system.
“I never could have imagined that I’d be taking on the richest man in the world, for justice in Wisconsin, and we won!” Crawford said in her victory speech. The win was especially significant for Democrats, who have struggled to find a unifying message in the wake of Trump’s second presidency.
Elon Musk’s Influence: A Double-Edged Sword for Republicans
Elon Musk’s involvement in the race was closely scrutinised, not just because of the size of his financial contribution, but also due to his growing political influence. His role in supporting Brad Schimel has sparked concern among some Republican strategists, who see it as a potential liability for the party moving forward. Musk’s political influence is vast, but his involvement in a contested judicial election could backfire, especially given his controversial positions on several key issues.
Musk’s efforts to buy political influence were evident when he visited Wisconsin just days before the election. There, he handed out checks worth $1 million each to voters who signed petitions opposing what he termed “activist judges.” His appearance was part of a broader push to secure a conservative victory on the state’s highest court, but it ultimately didn’t achieve the desired result.
The outcome of this race signals that voters in swing states like Wisconsin are pushing back against the increasing influence of wealthy donors, particularly those who may have business interests tied to judicial outcomes. Musk, whose Tesla business is involved in a dispute over Wisconsin’s “factory store” law, could find it harder to gain political traction if his investments continue to fail.
A Wider Political Implication: What Does This Mean for Trump and the GOP?
This Wisconsin Supreme Court race also served as a test of the political waters for Donald Trump’s second presidency. The race was one of the first major electoral tests following Trump’s 2024 inauguration, and the results suggest that his influence in key battleground states may not be as strong as some thought.
Despite his backing of Schimel, Trump couldn’t secure the victory in Wisconsin, a state that was pivotal to his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. The defeat, combined with Musk’s involvement, raises questions about whether the Republican Party can maintain its grip on the state in the lead-up to the 2026 House elections.
Ben Wikler, the chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, put it best when he said, “Susan Crawford’s victory over Brad Schimel, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump is a resounding message from voters that Wisconsin believes in freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.”
Special Elections in Florida: A Mixed Outcome for Republicans
While the Wisconsin Supreme Court race was a win for the liberals, Republicans had more success in Florida, where they won two special House elections. Randy Fine, a Republican state senator, won by 14 percentage points in a district that was expected to be an easy victory for the GOP. Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s state CFO, also secured a comfortable win in another district.
These victories in Florida are important for the Republican Party, especially as they look to build momentum heading into the 2026 House elections. However, the closer-than-expected margins in these traditionally red districts raise concerns about the party’s ability to hold onto certain seats as the country becomes more politically divided.
Conclusion: The Future of Political Influence in Wisconsin and Beyond
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election serves as a reminder of how much influence money can have on the political process, especially in judicial races. The defeat of Elon Musk and Donald Trump in this contest suggests that voters may be increasingly wary of big-money interests trying to shape the political landscape, particularly when it comes to the judiciary.
For Democrats, this victory offers a much-needed boost heading into the next few years, especially as they work to find a unified message against the political dominance of the Republican Party. For Republicans, it raises questions about how they will approach future races in swing states like Wisconsin, where the influence of wealthy donors and national figures may not be enough to secure victory.
