Madison, Wisconsin – Dane County Judge Susan Crawford clinched a crucial seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, securing a victory due to significant leads in the state’s populous areas and Democratic strongholds. Despite Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel’s support in Republican territories, Crawford’s success ensures the court’s liberal-leaning justices maintain their 4-3 majority. The win was officially declared by The Associated Press when it became clear that Schimel could not catch up to Crawford’s lead, with the final votes heavily favoring Crawford, especially in Milwaukee.
Although viewed as nonpartisan, Crawford had the backing of the state and national Democratic establishment, while Schimel garnered support from Republicans, including an endorsement from former President Donald Trump and financial backing from Elon Musk. The race between Crawford and Schimel took on national significance, as it sheds light on Wisconsin’s political landscape following Trump’s victories in the state.
The 2023 Supreme Court race marked a historic moment as liberal-leaning justices secured a majority for the first time in 15 years. The retirement of a liberal justice created an opportunity for conservatives to reclaim the majority, impacting upcoming cases on significant issues such as abortion, unions, and voting rights. With spending reaching nearly $100 million and endorsements from high-profile figures like Musk, the election drew considerable attention.
The decision to call the race in favor of Crawford was influenced by her performance across the state, outperforming Biden’s 2020 victory over Trump in key counties like Milwaukee and Dane. Conversely, Schimel fell short of matching Trump’s support in various counties, including those traditionally favorable to Republicans. Despite leading in specific Republican-leaning areas, Schimel could not reach the levels set by Trump in past elections, while Crawford dominated in Democratic-friendly regions.
Crawford’s success in Brown County, home to Green Bay, demonstrated her ability to overcome initial deficits and secure significant leads over her opponent. This victory mirrored Protasiewicz’s triumph in the 2023 Supreme Court race, highlighting the enduring impact of Democratic candidates in pivotal Wisconsin counties. The outcome of the election not only solidifies the court’s ideological balance but also serves as a barometer of voter sentiment in the state post-Trump era.