Daijiworld Media Network - Madison

Madison, Apr 2: In a landmark judicial election, Democratic-backed candidate Susan Crawford has secured victory over conservative rival Brad Schimel in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race, ensuring continued liberal control of the state’s highest court.

The election, deemed the costliest judicial contest in US history, saw over $100 million spent by candidates and their supporters. Billionaire Elon Musk, a key fundraiser for Schimel, contributed $20 million, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats who accused him of trying to “buy” the courts.

With most votes counted, Crawford led with 54% against Schimel’s 45%, as projected by CBS News. In her victory speech, Crawford declared, “Wisconsin stood up and said loudly that justice does not have a price. Our courts are not for sale.”

The election carries significant national implications, particularly for congressional redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential elections. The Wisconsin Supreme Court is expected to weigh in on redistricting challenges, potentially impacting the balance of power in the U.S. Congress.

For Trump, who endorsed Schimel, the loss in a key swing state was a setback. However, Republicans found solace in securing two congressional seats in Florida on the same day.

Musk’s involvement became a focal point of the race, with reports of him giving away millions in cash incentives to voters supporting conservative causes. His political action committee also offered money to those who promoted Schimel outside polling stations. Despite the massive spending, Crawford’s win was seen as a rejection of Musk’s political influence.

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren reacted to the result, stating, “Wisconsin cannot be bought. Our democracy is not for sale.”

While Crawford received backing from billionaire donors like George Soros and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, Musk far outspent them, fueling debates over the role of money in judicial races.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin voters also passed a constitutional amendment requiring voter ID, making it harder to change the law in the future—a move Crawford had opposed.

The state’s Supreme Court will now be at the center of upcoming legal battles, including challenges to congressional district maps that currently favor Republicans, who hold six of Wisconsin’s eight US House seats.

With the judicial victory secured, Democrats are expected to push for new legal challenges that could reshape Wisconsin’s political landscape in the coming years.