A fierce battle for Wisconsin's Supreme Court seat pitted Dane County Judge Susan Crawford against former state attorney general Brad Schimel in a race that drew national attention and record-breaking campaign spending.

According to AP News, Democratic-backed Crawford emerged victorious over her Republican-backed opponent despite massive financial support from billionaire Elon Musk and an endorsement from President Donald Trump, securing a continued liberal majority on the state's highest court.

The election shattered previous spending records for a state judicial race, with nearly $100 million poured into campaigns. Musk's direct contribution of $3 million and an additional $18 million from groups he funded marked an unprecedented level of individual donor involvement.

Crawford's victory speech directly addressed the billionaire's attempted influence, while celebrating the preservation of judicial independence.

Unprecedented spending shapes historic judicial battle

The contest quickly evolved into the most expensive court race in U.S. history, dwarfing the previous record of $51 million set in Wisconsin just last year. Groups backed by Musk invested more than $21 million to support Schimel's campaign.

The tech billionaire's involvement extended beyond financial support, as he personally traveled to Wisconsin two days before the election to distribute $1 million checks to selected voters.

Voter turnout reached historic levels, with more than 52% of voting-age residents participating in the election. This figure significantly exceeded the previous record of 40% set in 2023. The high engagement reflected the race's perceived importance as a referendum on both Trump's presidency and Musk's growing political influence.

After conceding defeat, Schimel demonstrated grace by quieting supporters who began chanting "Cheater, cheater!" He emphasized the importance of accepting election results before joining his classic rock cover band to perform songs by the Allman Brothers and Tom Petty at his election night gathering.

National implications emerge from state court victory

Crawford's campaign focused heavily on abortion rights and opposition to voter ID requirements, while warning against the dangers of allowing wealthy interests to influence judicial selections. She effectively used Musk's massive spending against her opponent, even referring to Schimel as "Elon Schimel" during a debate.

Crawford said:

Growing up in Chippewa Falls, I never could have imagined that I would be taking on the richest man in the world for justice in Wisconsin. And Wisconsin stood up and said loudly that justice does not have a price, our courts are not for sale.

The election's outcome carries significant implications for several crucial issues, including abortion access, public sector unions, voting rules, and congressional district boundaries. The court's 4-3 liberal majority is now secured until at least April 2028, when the next liberal justice faces reelection.

Voters voice concerns over billionaire influence

Local voters expressed mixed reactions to the high-profile endorsements and unprecedented campaign spending. Iraq War veteran Taylor Sullivan, 39, supported Schimel based on his pro-law enforcement stance, explicitly stating his vote was unrelated to Trump or Musk's involvement.

Kenneth Gifford, a 22-year-old college student from Milwaukee, voted for Crawford specifically because of concerns about Musk's influence. He criticized the billionaire's attempt to "buy votes" and expressed worry about damage to democratic institutions.

Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler predicted Musk's heavy involvement would ultimately backfire, suggesting voters would reject the idea of a wealthy individual attempting to purchase multiple elections.

The election results appeared to validate this assessment, as Crawford secured victory by more than 8 percentage points.

Crawford secures Wisconsin Supreme Court future

Susan Crawford's victory in Wisconsin's Supreme Court election represents a significant defeat for conservative interests and their wealthy backers, including Elon Musk and President Donald Trump.

The Democratic-backed judge overcame unprecedented campaign spending to win the seat, maintaining the court's liberal majority.

The historic election drew record voter turnout and campaign spending, totaling nearly $100 million. Crawford's win ensures liberal control of the court through at least 2028, positioning the judiciary to make crucial decisions on issues including abortion rights, voting rules, and congressional district boundaries.