Although President Donald Trump provided his full support and Elon Musk poured millions into the race, liberals managed to pull a stunner in Wisconsin.
Specifically, liberal-backed candidate Susan Crawford unexpectedly defeated Republican Brad Schimel in the state’s Supreme Court race.
Her win maintains a 4-3 liberal majority that will likely threaten conservative priorities for years to come.
Musk spent over $100 million supporting Schimel in the most expensive judicial race in American history, yet voters still rejected the conservative candidate by 10 points.
Crawford’s victory represents a significant blow to conservative efforts to reshape Wisconsin’s highest court.
The liberal judge secured a seat that will maintain progressive control over crucial issues, including abortion rights, union power, and redistricting.
The race drew unprecedented national attention as the first major battleground state election of President Trump’s second term.
Democrats framed the contest as a referendum on the president’s agenda. At the same time, Republicans hoped to flip the court to advance voter ID laws and other conservative priorities that the liberal majority had blocked.
Crawford openly campaigned on protecting abortion rights, union power, and opposing voter ID laws.
Her victory ensures the court will continue its leftward tilt for at least three more years, potentially impacting congressional redistricting that could shift the balance of power in Washington.
Schimel is Wisconsin’s former Attorney General. He had emphasized law and order during his campaign.
He conceded defeat and acknowledged the results, demonstrating grace in defeat despite the stakes. “No, no, no, no, you’ve got to accept the results,” he said.
Musk’s involvement became a focal point of controversy throughout the campaign.
Despite Crawford’s victory, Musk maintained the battle was worth fighting, suggesting he viewed the contest as part of a larger strategic effort.
“I expected to lose, but there is value to losing a piece for a positional gain,” Musk stated.
The race’s outcome came despite Wisconsin voters simultaneously approving a constitutional amendment enshrining voter ID requirements into law.
This disconnect highlights the complex political landscape in Wisconsin, where voters appear to support certain conservative policies while rejecting conservative candidates.
Crawford celebrated her victory with direct attacks on Musk and warnings about wealthy influence in elections.
Her campaign received substantial backing from liberal mega-donors, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and George Soros.
“Growing up in Chippewa Falls, I never could have imagined that I would be taking on the richest man in the world for justice in Wisconsin, and we won,” Crawford declared.
The election saw unprecedented voter turnout that led to ballot shortages in Milwaukee.
This liberal Supreme Court majority now poses significant challenges to conservative priorities in Wisconsin, with potential rulings affecting everything from abortion restrictions to election procedures.
