Susan Crawford Wins Wisconsin Supreme Court, Defeating Elon Musk’s Backed Candidate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Susan Crawford, the Democratic-backed candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, secured a significant victory against her Republican opponent, Brad Schimel, on April 1, 2025, amid unprecedented funding from billionaire Elon Musk‘s affiliated groups. Crawford’s win not only challenges powerful financial interests but also reinforces a liberal majority in the court for the foreseeable future.

With over 95% of votes reported, Crawford garnered approximately 55% of the total, translating to 1,286,748 votes, while Schimel obtained around 45%, totaling 1,050,816 votes. This election saw record engagement, with a turnout exceeding 52% of the state’s voting age population.

“Today, Wisconsinites fended off an unprecedented attack on our democracy,” Crawford said during her victory speech, standing alongside the current liberal justices of the court. She remarked on her unexpected path, “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.”

Musk’s influence in this election was remarkable, as he funneled more than $21 million into campaigns supporting Schimel. In a notable pre-election appearance, Musk personally handed $1 million checks to Wisconsin voters, which he claimed would support his political group. Schimel, a former state attorney general, acknowledged the outcome in a concession speech, despite his supporters expressing discontent.

Crawford’s campaign benefited from endorsements by prominent Democrats, including former President Barack Obama and significant funding from progressive organizations. In contrast, Schimel relied on backing from Republican stalwarts, including Musk and Donald Trump, who emphasized the importance of this election in the broader political landscape.

Reports indicated that over $99 million was spent on this race, marking it as one of the most financially contested Supreme Court elections in U.S. history. The prior record was set during the court’s 2023 election.

Crawford’s platform resonated with voters, particularly her stances on protecting voting rights and women’s reproductive health, which were highlighted in her campaign materials. Conversely, Schimel’s campaign aimed to portray her as soft on crime and aligned with liberal interests that could jeopardize the state’s conservative policies.

Despite the losses, Schimel attempted to reassure his supporters, “You’ve got to accept the results,” as outbursts of anger erupted from the crowd. Interestingly, during the campaign, he also performed music with a cover band at his election night event, reflecting a blend of humor and resignation in the face of defeat.

The implications of Crawford’s election could reverberate throughout the state and beyond, with potential future decisions affecting voting rules and abortion access coming under the court’s purview. Crawford’s win ensures that the court remains under liberal control, with a 4-3 majority that has existed since 2023, as state Democrats prepare for forthcoming electoral battles.

The political climate of Wisconsin has been shaped by recent high-stakes elections, and Crawford’s victory is seen as a pivotal moment that signals voter sentiment in a state critical to national elections. With the Supreme Court set to reshape the landscape of many pressing issues, this election highlights the intense engagement and funding strategies fueling both sides of Wisconsin’s political divide.