Elon Musk's millions not enough as Susan Crawford wins Wisconsin Supreme Court seat
- The April 1, 2025, Wisconsin Supreme Court race featured Brad Schimel and Susan Crawford as the primary candidates, drawing substantial financial backing from influential billionaires.
- Despite millions spent in support of Schimel by figures like Elon Musk, Susan Crawford emerged victorious, maintaining the liberal majority in the state's Supreme Court.
- This election result underscores the significance of state-level judicial races amidst the larger national political environment, emphasizing the ongoing tensions around key voter issues.
On April 1, 2025, Wisconsin held elections for the state Supreme Court, attracting national attention due to the significant financial influence of billionaires. The race was primarily between conservative candidate Brad Schimel, former Wisconsin Attorney General, and liberal candidate Susan Crawford, a circuit court judge. Elon Musk supported Schimel by donating millions to his campaign and awarded $1 million to two attendees on the eve of the election, despite facing legal challenges regarding his donations. However, the election concluded with Susan Crawford winning, preserving the liberal majority on the Supreme Court. This outcome signifies a critical moment in Wisconsin's judicial landscape, particularly in light of ongoing political battles over issues like voter ID laws and collective bargaining rights. Republicans had hoped that with significant backing from influential donors, they could shift the balance of power within the court. Still, Crawford’s victory underlines the resilience of the liberal majority in what is often seen as a bellwether state for national political trends. The election result also reflects the growing involvement of high-profile figures in state-level elections, raising questions about the influence of money in politics and the implications for future legislative issues, including voter rights and social policies in Wisconsin.