Democrats secure victory in Wisconsin Supreme Court as Crawford defeats Musk-backed candidate

Crawford’s victory ensures a liberal majority on the court for at least three more years. A Dane County judge known for her legal battles to protect union power and abortion rights, Crawford celebrated the win as a triumph of democracy.

"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," Crawford said during her victory speech. "And we won."

Musk and groups affiliated with him spent more than $21 million to support Schimel, including Musk personally delivering $1 million checks to two voters just two days before the election. Despite these efforts, Crawford secured a lead of over 8 percentage points, with voter turnout exceeding 52% — the highest in the state’s Supreme Court election history.

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After conceding defeat, Schimel addressed his supporters, some of whom reacted with anger, chanting "Cheater, cheater!" However, Schimel urged them to accept the results. He spent the rest of the evening playing bass in his classic rock cover band, performing songs by the Allman Brothers and Tom Petty.

Musk reacted to the defeat on his social media platform X, calling it a result of "corruption of the judiciary" by the left. Despite the loss, he expressed satisfaction that voters had approved an amendment to elevate the state’s photo ID requirement to a constitutional level.

The record-breaking election saw over $99 million in spending, making it the most expensive judicial race in US history. While Trump and Musk heavily endorsed Schimel, Democrats rallied around Crawford, with backing from former President Barack Obama and billionaire George Soros.