Liberal Judge Triumphs in Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Against Musk-Backed Opponent | US News
A progressive judge has claimed victory in the race for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, defeating a contender backed by former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.
Susan Crawford celebrated her success as a triumph over influential entities after a campaign that Democrats portrayed as a referendum on Trump and Musk, who oversees the government’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) focused on cost reduction.
This victory also solidifies a liberal majority on Wisconsin’s highest court for at least the next three years in this pivotal state.
Judge Crawford has been at the forefront of legal battles to defend union rights, abortion access, and challenge voter ID laws.
“Growing up in Chippewa Falls, I never imagined I would be standing up against the wealthiest individual in the world [Musk] for justice in Wisconsin,” she remarked as she celebrated her win. “And we did it.”
Mr. Musk, along with supporting organizations, invested over $21 million (£16.2 million) to try to oust her, with the DOGE leader even traveling to Wisconsin to personally distribute $1 million (£770,000) checks to two voters.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Can Starmer negotiate a better deal with Trump?
“Today, the people of Wisconsin stood against an unprecedented assault on our democracy, our fair elections, and our Supreme Court,” Judge Crawford stated.
“And Wisconsin sent a clear message that justice cannot be bought; our courts are not for sale.”
Read more:
Democrat’s record-breaking speech against Trump
Prosecutors to seek death penalty for Luigi Mangione
This race became the most expensive in U.S. judicial history and witnessed the highest voter turnout ever for a Wisconsin Supreme Court election, as many viewed it as a reflection of the nation’s broader political struggles.
Judge Crawford triumphed over Republican-backed Brad Schimel, who previously served as the state attorney general.
Upon conceding to Judge Crawford, one of Mr. Schimel’s supporters began chanting, “Cheater, cheater!”
“No,” Mr. Schimel replied. “You need to accept the results.”
