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Liberal Judge Susan Crawford Wins Wisconsin Supreme Court Election After Record Spending Led by Elon Musk

HeadlineApr 02, 2025

In Wisconsin, liberal Judge Susan Crawford defeated Trump-backed candidate Brad Schimel on Tuesday to claim a pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court seat, capping the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history. Crawford’s election will have far-reaching impacts on issues including abortion; voting rights; and congressional redistricting, which could change the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives, where Republicans hold a razor-thin majority. Crawford overcame at least $25 million in spending by Elon Musk, who told supporters at a town hall in Green Bay Sunday night that “the entire destiny of humanity” rested on electing Brad Schimel. Crawford spoke to reporters after casting her ballot at a Madison polling station.

Judge Susan Crawford: “The involvement of Elon Musk specifically is something I did feel that I had to comment on, particularly when he started, you know, engaging in shenanigans like paying voters to sign petitions and giving away a million dollars to, you know, obviously preselected people supporting my opponent. I don’t think that’s democratic to — for a billionaire to use his wealth in that way.”

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