Democratic-backed Judge Susan Crawford defeated Republican-backed Judge Brad Schimel in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race, according to the Associated Press.
Why Is the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race So Important?
Crawford’s victory has cemented a liberal majority on the state’s highest court until at least 2028, as conservative justices are up for reelection in 2026 and 2027. Her win has key implications for issues like reproductive rights, redistricting and voting rights in the critical battleground state.
What To Know
Crawford was projected as the winner at 10:16 p.m. ET Tuesday, less than 90 minutes after polls closed in the state.
She addressed supporters in Madison after her victory was declared, saying she received a phone call from Schimel conceding the race.
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“He was very gracious and I wish him and his family well. And to the people of Wisconsin: thank you!” she said. “Thank you for trusting me to serve you on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This campaign has been an incredible, life-altering experience in so many ways and I’m so grateful to have earned the trust and support of voters across this great state.”
Crawford’s victory comes in a critical swing state that less than five months earlier narrowly backed Trump in the presidential race, by less than a single percentage point.
Trump, meanwhile, in a post to Truth Social celebrated Wisconsin for passing a voter ID law but made no mention of Crawford’s victory.
“Democrats fought hard against this, presumably so they can CHEAT. This is a BIG WIN FOR REPUBLICANS, MAYBE THE BIGGEST WIN OF THE NIGHT. IT SHOULD ALLOW US TO WIN WISCONSIN, LIKE I JUST DID IN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, FOR MANY YEARS TO COME!” he wrote.
Also on Tuesday, the GOP won two special elections in the 1st and 6th Congressional Districts in Florida, both of which are viewed as solidly conservative. Republicans Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine won those races, respectively.
While Democrats touted that Republicans in both races underperformed Trump’s general election performance, the GOP celebrated its victories after voicing concerns of a much tighter race in Florida’s 6th District.
Who Is Susan Crawford?
Crawford serves on the Dane County Circuit Court and previously filled the role of assistant attorney general as well as positions in agencies including the Department of Corrections.
On the campaign trail, she emphasized issues like abortion rights, receiving support from billionaire Democratic donor George Soros and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
Who Is Brad Schimel?
Schimel, the state’s former attorney general, serves on the Waukesha Circuit Court. He received support from Trump, as well as Elon Musk, the billionaire who runs the Department of Government Efficiency.
Wisconsin Voter ID Referendum: What We Know
Wisconsin voters also approved a ballot question that would amend the Wisconsin Constitution to require voters in the state to show their photo identification before casting a ballot.
There is already a law on the books requiring voter ID in the state, but this would make it more difficult to change that law, as it will become part of the Constitution.
Proponents of voter ID laws say it is necessary to help secure elections, but critics point out that voter fraud is rare, and it may create additional barriers for voters.
Why Was Elon Musk Advocating for Schimel in the Wisconsin Race?
Musk, the CEO of Tesla, had taken interest in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, spending $19.3 million to back Schimel through PACs, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He is suing the state over a law that requires manufacturers to sell vehicles through independent dealerships.
Who Makes Up the Wisconsin Supreme Court?
There are seven justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court: Ann Walsh Bradley, who is set to be replaced by Crawford; Rebecca Dallet; Jill Karofsky; and Janet Protasiewicz make up the court’s liberal majority.
Chief Justice Annette Ziegler, Rebecca Bradley and Brian Hagedorn are the conservative justices on the bench.
What People Are Saying
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, in a statement: “Tonight, the people of Wisconsin squarely rejected the influence of Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and billionaire special interests. And their message? Stay out of our elections and stay away from our courts – Wisconsin is not for sale.”
Former President Barack Obama, on X: “Congratulations to Judge Susan Crawford on her victory, and to the people of Wisconsin for electing a judge who believes in the rule of law and protecting our freedoms.”
Conservative pundit and activist Charlie Kirk, on X: “We did a lot in Wisconsin, but we fell short. We must realize and appreciate that we are the LOW PROP party now. The party has been remade. Special elections and off-cycle elections will continue to be a problem without a change of strategy.”
What Happens Next
Bradley is up for reelection in 2026, and Ziegler is up in 2027, giving Democrats two chances at expanding their majority.
Update 04/01/2025, 11:13 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.