Susan Crawford Wins Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Defeating Trump Backed Brad Schimel

Madison- County Judge Susan Crawford has secured a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, defeating Brad Schimel in a high-stakes election that drew national attention and record-breaking spending. The Associated Press called the race in Crawford’s favor, ensuring that the court’s 4-3 liberal majority remains intact.

Schimel, a conservative candidate, had received significant financial backing from billionaire Elon Musk and an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Despite their support, Crawford’s victory signals a major setback for Trump-aligned conservatives hoping to shift the balance of Wisconsin’s judiciary.

According to the Brennan Center for Justice, this election was projected to be the most expensive state supreme court race in U.S. history. Spending from candidates and their allies reportedly surpassed $100 million, fueling an aggressive and highly contentious campaign season.

The national stakes in the race were evident throughout the campaign. Wisconsin, a crucial swing state in presidential elections, became a battleground for political influence. Trump himself actively campaigned for Schimel, branding him a "Patriot" while attacking Crawford as a "Radical Left Liberal" who would be a "DISASTER" for Wisconsin’s judiciary. In a series of social media posts, Trump accused Crawford of being soft on crime, even alleging that she had "let child molesters and rapists off the hook."

Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, also took an unusual step by personally campaigning in Wisconsin. On his social media platform X, he framed the race as pivotal to the "fate of Western civilization," further intensifying the political drama.

Crawford’s victory marks a significant win for liberals in Wisconsin, solidifying their control of the state’s highest court and dealing a blow to conservative efforts to reshape the judiciary. The outcome of this election could have far-reaching implications, particularly as the Wisconsin Supreme Court is expected to rule on key legal battles in the coming years, including issues related to abortion rights, voting laws, and redistricting.

As Wisconsin remains a critical swing state heading into the 2024 presidential election, Crawford’s victory may also serve as an early indicator of voter sentiment toward Trump-aligned candidates. With record spending, high-profile endorsements, and an intense ideological battle, this election has set the stage for an even more contentious political landscape in the months ahead.