The recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election marked a critical turning point in state politics, as Susan Crawford emerged victorious over her conservative opponent, Brad Schimel. This election, which was widely seen as a referendum on former President Donald Trump’s influence, also marked a significant defeat for his billionaire ally Elon Musk, who had supported Schimel. The stakes were high—both for Wisconsin’s judicial landscape and for national politics, making the results a fascinating study in modern elections.
A Historic Election for Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election, held on Tuesday, not only decided the future of the state’s highest court but also offered a glimpse into the wider political tides that could shape the next presidential election. With over $90 million spent, it became the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history—a reflection of the intense national interest in the outcome.
In this heated contest, Crawford, a county judge, successfully defeated Brad Schimel, the former Republican attorney general. Her win solidified the liberal majority on the state Supreme Court, ensuring a 4-3 balance in favour of progressive justices. This outcome is viewed by many as a rebuke to the conservative agenda that has taken root in the state over recent years, making it clear that Wisconsin voters still favour a more liberal-leaning judiciary.
Why This Election Was a Setback for Trump and Musk
The Wisconsin election was a significant defeat for two of the most powerful figures in American politics today: Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
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Trump’s Influence: The former president has been a dominant figure in American politics, and his backing of Schimel was seen as an attempt to extend his influence over Wisconsin’s judiciary. Trump’s endorsement of Schimel was in line with his broader strategy to reshape the U.S. judicial system with conservative appointees. Crawford’s win, however, signals that Trump’s influence may not be as absolute as some would believe.
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Musk’s Support: Similarly, Elon Musk, the billionaire founder of Tesla and SpaceX, threw his weight behind Schimel, hoping to tip the scales in favour of conservative control. Musk’s influence, particularly in tech and business circles, is immense. However, this setback in the Wisconsin election shows that political endorsements from high-profile figures do not always translate to electoral success.
The Cost of Politics: A $90 Million Battle
The race between Crawford and Schimel was not just about ideas; it was a battle of massive financial proportions. With over $90 million poured into the race from various political action committees (PACs), candidates, and outside groups, this contest shattered records for political spending in judicial races.
The money came from all corners:
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Progressive groups, who favoured Crawford’s more liberal stance, provided substantial funding to boost her chances.
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Conservative donors, aligned with Schimel, also poured millions into ads, campaigning, and grassroots mobilization, attempting to sway voters in a state that has become increasingly contentious in the political landscape.
Yet despite the enormous financial backing of her opponent, Crawford’s message resonated with enough voters to secure a win. This election demonstrated that even the most well-funded campaigns can fail if the public does not align with the candidate’s vision.
The Significance of the Liberal Majority in Wisconsin
With the liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court intact, this election result holds far-reaching implications for the state’s future. Wisconsin has long been a battleground for political ideologies, and the decisions made by its highest court often reverberate across the nation. In the coming years, this liberal court could influence critical issues, such as:
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Redistricting: Wisconsin’s highly partisan gerrymandering could face legal challenges, as the court may lean towards fairer district maps.
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Abortion Rights: Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, Wisconsin’s court could become a key battleground in the fight over abortion rights.
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Voter Rights: Issues such as voter ID laws and access to the polls could be on the table, with the court potentially moving towards a more progressive stance on these matters.
The Broader Impact of Wisconsin’s Supreme Court Election
What happens in Wisconsin is often seen as a bellwether for larger political trends in the United States. The state has a history of swinging between parties, and this election result signals that Wisconsin voters are not willing to let national figures like Trump and Musk dictate the direction of their state. It also suggests that, despite the significant financial influence of these figures, local issues and grassroots campaigns still have the power to win.
For those who care about free and fair elections and a judiciary that reflects a balance of perspectives, the outcome of this race provides hope. The Wisconsin Supreme Court election was a reminder that political power, while significant, is not absolute. The voice of the people can still prevail—especially when the stakes are high and the issues at hand affect real lives.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
As we move forward, the results of the Wisconsin Supreme Court election will likely serve as a key talking point in national political debates. The race has put the spotlight on the influence of dark money, political endorsements from high-profile figures, and the role of the judiciary in shaping the nation’s laws.
While the loss for Trump and Musk is a significant setback, it also shows the resilience of local communities and their ability to fight back against powerful interests. It remains to be seen how these results will influence future elections, but one thing is clear: the political landscape in Wisconsin—and perhaps across the country—is changing.
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Photo credit: NBC News
