Judge Susan Crawford has made history by winning a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, a victory that maintains the court’s 4-3 liberal majority. The Associated Press called the race shortly after 9:30 p.m. local time on election night. Crawford, who is a county judge, defeated her opponent Brad Schimel, a former Republican state attorney general, amid a highly contentious and expensive campaign.
Crawford’s win is significant not only for its impact on the court but also because of the enormous financial backing Schimel received from high-profile supporters, including Elon Musk and an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. The election drew national attention and was projected to be the most expensive state Supreme Court race in history, with spending exceeding $100 million.
In her victory speech, Crawford thanked her supporters and noted the challenges she faced, including the financial support for Schimel from Musk. "As a little girl growing up in Chippewa Falls, I never could have imagined that I’d be taking on the richest man in the world for justice in Wisconsin — and we won," she said. She promised to be a fair and impartial justice.
Schimel, addressing his supporters, acknowledged his defeat and urged them to accept the results, despite some crowd members expressing disbelief. He later played music with his band after conceding.
With 94 percent of the votes counted, Crawford led with 54.4% compared to Schimel’s 45.6%. Voter turnout for this judicial election was notably high.
Crawford’s background includes working on reproductive rights and voting rights as a private attorney. She has served as a circuit court judge in Dane County since 2018. Meanwhile, Schimel has a track record of supporting conservative policies, including the controversial voter ID law.
The implications of this election extend beyond the court’s balance. Key issues such as abortion rights and collective bargaining for public employees are likely to be influenced by the new court makeup. Crawford’s supporters, including the Wisconsin Democratic Party and various national donors, emphasized her commitment to women’s rights and her measured approach to justice.
Crawford is set to be sworn in on August 1 and will serve a ten-year term. This election reflects broader national trends, showcasing how state-level races can serve as indicators of voter sentiment in a politically divided landscape.