Liberal Susan Crawford wins the Wisconsin Supreme Court race despite Elon Musk’s record-breaking funding and Trump’s endorsement. What does this mean for U.S. politics?
DIGITAL WORLDWIDE NEWS
April 2, 2025
Andrew Juma
Susan Crawford wins the Wisconsin Supreme Court race
Liberal Susan Crawford defeated conservative Brad Schimel, keeping a 4-3 liberal majority on the state’s Supreme Court. This race drew national attention because former President Donald Trump endorsed Schimel, and billionaire Elon Musk spent millions supporting him.
Despite Musk’s record-breaking campaign spending and personal involvement, Wisconsin voters sided with Crawford. Her win signals Democratic strength in a state known for tight elections, even as Trump won Wisconsin in 2024.
Wisconsin’s Supreme Court plays a crucial role in deciding key issues like abortion rights, election laws, and redistricting. The conservative loss means Democrats retain judicial control, influencing legal decisions that could shape national politics.
For Republicans, the outcome raises concerns about their ability to turn out voters in off-year elections, even with Trump’s backing and Musk’s financial power.
Musk funneled at least $20 million into Schimel’s campaign, making this the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history. He even appeared at rallies, hoping to sway voters.
However, his involvement may have backfired. Democrats framed the election as a referendum on Musk’s growing political influence, using attack ads to portray him as out of touch with everyday Americans.
Trump remains a powerful force, but his endorsement alone wasn’t enough to secure a win for Schimel. Many of his 2024 voters didn’t turn out for this race, highlighting Republican struggles in local elections.
This could be a warning sign for the GOP heading into the 2026 midterms, where Trump won’t be on the ballot to directly drive voter enthusiasm.
All eyes now turn to Virginia and New Jersey’s governor races in November, where both parties will test their strategies before the 2026 midterms.
Musk has pledged $100 million to Trump-aligned causes, suggesting he won’t step away from politics anytime soon. However, this Wisconsin defeat raises doubts about how effective his money really is.