Democrats-Backed Susan Crawford Wins Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

The election was seen as an early referendum on Trump’s second term and a disappointment for Wisconsin Republicans, who had hoped to reclaim the court. The Wisconsin Supreme Court is set to rule on major cases, including the state’s 1849 abortion ban and public workers’ rights. 

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Democrats hailed Crawford’s victory as a rejection of GOP efforts to buy the seat, continuing their streak of special election wins.

Most expensive judicial election

The Wisconsin Supreme Court race has become the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, with spending nearing a staggering $100 million. This election is drawing national attention due to its potential impact on crucial legal issues, including abortion rights, voting regulations, and congressional redistricting. The race pits conservative candidate Brad Schimel against liberal candidate Susan Crawford in a contest that has seen unprecedented financial contributions from high-profile figures on both sides.

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One of the most controversial aspects of the race has been the involvement of tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has poured millions of dollars into supporting Schimel. Musk’s influence has sparked criticism from election watchdogs and Democrats, who argue that his financial involvement has pushed the boundaries of campaign finance laws. In one particularly contentious move, Musk handed out $1 million checks to two voters in Wisconsin, claiming they were "randomly selected," and offered $50 to anyone who uploaded a photo of Wisconsin residents outside polling places.

Attempt made to block Musk payments

These actions prompted Wisconsin’s Democratic Attorney General to attempt to block Musk’s payments, arguing that they amounted to an unlawful inducement for voter participation. However, the state Supreme Court, currently controlled by conservatives, declined to intervene. The legal battle over Musk’s involvement has only added to the heated nature of the race and raised concerns about the role of wealthy individuals in influencing judicial elections.

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The election is shaping up to be a referendum not just on the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s future ideological makeup but also on broader political trends, including former President Donald Trump’s influence and Musk’s growing role in conservative politics. Schimel, a former Wisconsin attorney general, has closely aligned himself with both Trump and Musk, emphasizing his commitment to conservative judicial principles, law enforcement, and strict interpretations of the state constitution.

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In contrast, Crawford has positioned herself as a defender of judicial independence and progressive values. She has campaigned on protecting abortion rights, maintaining fair voting access, and resisting what she calls "corrupting financial influences" in the judicial system. Crawford has received substantial support from Democratic donors, including billionaire George Soros and former President Barack Obama, who have both contributed to efforts aimed at keeping the court under liberal control.

The stakes in this election are particularly high because the Wisconsin Supreme Court will likely play a decisive role in shaping state policy for years to come. One of the key issues at play is redistricting. If Crawford wins, liberals will maintain a 4-3 majority on the court, ensuring they have control over future rulings on congressional and legislative district maps. This could have national implications by potentially shifting the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. However, if Schimel prevails, conservatives could retake control as early as next year, setting the stage for significant policy reversals.

Unprecedented voter turnout

Voter turnout for the race has been unprecedented, with early voting surpassing previous records. Reports from Milwaukee and other parts of the state indicate that some polling places experienced ballot shortages due to unexpectedly high participation. Voters from both political parties have expressed concerns about the increasing politicization of the judicial system and Musk’s outsized influence in the election.

As Wisconsin voters cast their ballots, the outcome of this race will have far-reaching consequences beyond the state’s borders. Whether the court remains in liberal hands or shifts back to conservative control, the decisions made by its justices in the coming years will help shape the national political landscape. For now, all eyes are on Wisconsin as the state determines the future of its highest court in what has become the costliest and most contentious judicial race in American history.

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