Liberal Susan Crawford Wins Wisconsin Supreme Court Race by 10 Points, Defeating Heavily Funded Conservative Opponent

In a significant development in Wisconsin’s political landscape, the state Supreme Court race concluded with a decisive victory for liberal candidate Susan Crawford. Despite substantial financial support exceeding $20 million from Elon Musk and related groups, as well as an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, conservative candidate Brad Schimel was defeated by a 10-point margin. This result highlights the ongoing political dynamics and voter engagement in the state, particularly in off-year elections, which typically see lower voter turnout compared to presidential elections.

The election, which took place on Tuesday, saw a turnout of just over 2.3 million voters. While this figure is considerably lower than the more than 3.4 million who participated in the 2024 presidential election in Wisconsin, it remains a notable number for an early spring, off-year race. The outcome of this election offers insights into the current political climate and voter sentiment, providing valuable information for both Democrats and Republicans as they strategize for future elections.

Susan Crawford’s victory is seen as a boost for Democrats, reflecting the sustained political engagement of the “resistance” movement during Donald Trump’s second term. Her 10-point lead over Schimel is considered a landslide, especially when compared to the narrow margins of less than 1 point that characterized the last three presidential races in Wisconsin. This result underscores the potential influence of voter mobilization efforts and the importance of judicial elections in shaping state policies.

In contrast, two special elections in Florida resulted in victories for the Republican Party, securing two seats for House Speaker Mike Johnson’s GOP majority. These outcomes illustrate the varied political landscape across different states and the ongoing battle for control in key legislative bodies. As both parties analyze these results, they will likely adjust their strategies to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the current political environment.