Dane County Judge Susan Crawford secured a seat on the Wisconsin State Supreme Court, marking a significant win for the liberal camp and a setback for Republicans. In a fiercely contested battle with over $90 million in expenditures, Crawford emerged victorious against former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel.
The presence of President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk loomed large over the election. While Trump backed Schimel, emphasizing the president’s support in digital campaigns, Musk injected millions into the race, including generous donations to Wisconsin voters.
The Influence of Trump and Musk
The election morphed into a referendum on Trump’s potential second term, with Musk’s involvement through the Department of Government Efficiency underscoring the stakes. Crawford’s triumph signifies the Democrats’ sustained success in off-year elections, drawing highly engaged voters.
Crawford’s victory holds immense importance as the state Supreme Court prepares to address crucial cases like abortion rights and redistricting. The election shattered financial records for judicial races, setting a new spending benchmark in American history.
Musk’s controversial role added intrigue to the contest, especially considering Tesla’s legal tussle with Wisconsin earlier in the year. Musk’s financial backing and advocacy groups intensified the race, drawing attention to his political influence.
Democratic Strategy and Musk’s Image
Democrats capitalized on Musk’s involvement, framing him as a divisive figure and weaving narratives that linked Schimel to the billionaire. Musk’s unfavorable ratings among Democrats and independents in Wisconsin fueled attack ads and campaign events aimed at discrediting his influence.
Noteworthy Democratic figures like Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and George Soros rallied behind Crawford, with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz also lending support. Crawford’s strategic alignment of Schimel with Musk underscored the power dynamics at play in the electoral landscape.
The Musk-centric blitz showcased how Democrats may leverage his persona in future elections, setting a precedent for gubernatorial and legislative contests in other states.
