News Summary
Susan Crawford’s victory on the Wisconsin Supreme Court establishes a liberal majority, defeating opponent Brad Schimel in an unprecedentedly expensive election. Backed by Democratic groups, Crawford’s win is seen as a response to significant financial influence from billionaire Elon Musk. With pressing issues on the horizon, the court is set to tackle critical topics like abortion rights and congressional redistricting, as voters express the importance of local voices in politics.
Historic Win for Susan Crawford and a Liberated Liberal Majority
In a thrilling twist from the political playground, Susan Crawford has clinched a spot on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, affirming a solid liberal standing with a 4-3 majority. As a Dane County circuit judge, she received extensive backing from Democratic groups, while her opponent, Brad Schimel, a Waukesha County circuit judge and former Republican attorney general, could not rally enough support to clinch the win.
Election with a Price Tag Like No Other
To say this election had a hefty price tag is an understatement. It turned out to be the most expensive state Supreme Court election in the entire history of the United States, racking up costs that soared beyond $80 million! Can you imagine that scale? In a race that held the mirrors to national politics, this was one for the books.
Big Players and Big Money
Adding fuel to the fire, tech mogul Elon Musk and associated organizations reportedly pumped in over $20 million to amplify opposition against Crawford. In the final countdown, former President Trump threw his support behind Schimel, making every effort to turn the tides. Meanwhile, Musk roamed the streets of Wisconsin to campaign vigorously, leveraging his vast social media following to sway public opinion.
Democrats Rallying Against Musk’s Influence
Musk’s involvement didn’t go unnoticed. Democrats quickly set their sights on him, dubbing him the primary enemy and claiming he was attempting to “buy” the election and meddle with the judicial landscape. In what’s being called a political power struggle, Crawford’s victory became a statement amid mounting concerns over such financial influence.
Crawford’s Glorious Win
Crawford found herself taken aback by the very fact that her campaign turned into a showdown against a billionaire like Musk. She celebrated what she described as a significant victory for “justice in Wisconsin”. On the other hand, Schimel was gracious in defeat, acknowledging the results and highlighting the efforts from his dedicated campaign team.
A Court Ready to Make Waves
The liberal majority on the court is set to tackle pressing issues such as abortion rights, collective bargaining, and congressional redistricting. With Wisconsin undergoing considerable changes in these fields, Crawford’s backing for reproductive rights feels especially timely, particularly in light of ongoing challenges against the state’s 1849 abortion ban.
Grassroots Engagement Amid Financial Giants
Despite Musk’s deep pockets, it’s important to note that Democratic-aligned groups managed to maintain a slight edge in advertising throughout the campaign. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin even launched a dedicated anti-Musk campaign titled “People v. Musk”, drawing attention to his financial interference in local politics. Grassroots donations and volunteer efforts played a key role, especially with voters expressing strong sentiments against the idea of billionaires commandeering elections.
Record Ballot Turnout and Engaged Voters
This election saw an impressive voter turnout, especially in Milwaukee, where some polling places even ran out of ballots. Voters also voiced their concerns about Musk’s influence due to his non-residency in Wisconsin, urging that someone who doesn’t live in the area shouldn’t get a say in local politics. It seems folks were pretty vocal about wanting to keep their affairs local, and they made their feelings known at the ballot box.
A Cautionary Note in National Politics
While this race is a reflection of local dynamics, it also acts as a cautionary tale against assuming broader national sentiments from state-level races. Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, celebrated how Wisconsinites seemed to reject the influence of billionaires, casting a vote for what’s seen as fairness in the electoral process.
Crawford’s Promise Going Forward
With her recent win, Crawford is optimistic about her upcoming role on the bench. She is committed to making fair and impartial decisions, ensuring that justice is administered consistently across the board. Wisconsin’s Supreme Court is poised for significant upcoming decisions, and residents will be watching closely as they navigate through these pressing issues.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Wisconsin Supreme Court
- The Washington Post
- Google Search: Wisconsin Supreme Court election 2025
- The Wall Street Journal
- Google Scholar: Wisconsin Supreme Court election
- NBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wisconsin elections
- Badger Herald
- Google News: Wisconsin Supreme Court results
