What's happened
In a significant defeat for conservatives, liberal judge Susan Crawford won the Wisconsin Supreme Court election against Trump-backed Brad Schimel on April 1, 2025. The election, heavily funded by Elon Musk, marked a pivotal moment for the GOP and highlighted the influence of campaign financing in judicial races.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- Campaign Dynamics: The election showcased the impact of campaign financing, with over $100 million spent, making it the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history. Despite Musk's financial clout, public disapproval of his involvement was significant, with 65% of voters disapproving of his tactics.
- Political Implications: This election serves as a referendum on Trump's influence and the GOP's strategy moving forward. Bannon's critique of Musk's centrality in the campaign reflects internal GOP tensions and the need for a unified front.
- Future Outlook: The outcome may embolden Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterms, as they leverage Musk's unpopularity to rally support. The GOP must reassess its approach to campaign financing and candidate selection to regain momentum.
What the papers say
The Independent reported that Musk's involvement was seen as a misstep, with Bannon stating, "People should know we got our a***s kicked. It was a big defeat." Meanwhile, Business Insider highlighted the Democratic Party's view that Musk's presence repelled voters, with Ben Wikler suggesting he should be removed from any federal position. The New Arab noted that Crawford's victory was a clear message against the influence of wealth in judicial elections, stating, "Wisconsin stood up and said loudly that justice does not have a price." This contrast in perspectives illustrates the broader implications of the election results on both parties' strategies moving forward.
How we got here
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election was the first major electoral test since Trump's 2024 victory. Elon Musk's substantial financial backing for Schimel, alongside his controversial campaign tactics, aimed to sway public opinion but ultimately failed, resulting in a 4-3 liberal majority on the court.
Go deeper
- What were the key issues in the Wisconsin election?
- How did Musk's involvement affect voter sentiment?
- What are the implications for future elections?
Common question
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What does Susan Crawford's victory mean for Wisconsin's judicial landscape?
The recent election of liberal judge Susan Crawford to the Wisconsin Supreme Court has sparked significant discussions about its implications for the state's judicial system and political landscape. With a decisive win over Trump-backed candidate Brad Schimel, many are left wondering how this shift will affect future elections, judicial decisions, and campaign financing in Wisconsin.
More on these topics
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Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central, Midwest and Great Lakes regions of the country. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake S
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Elon Reeve Musk FRS is an engineer, industrial designer, technology entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder, CEO, CTO and chief designer of SpaceX; early investor, CEO and product architect of Tesla, Inc.; founder of The Boring Company; co-foun
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Susan Crawford may refer to:
Susan Fletcher Crawford (1863–1918), Scottish etcher
Susan J. Crawford, American judge and senior Pentagon official, the convening authority for Guantanamo military commissions 2007–2010
Susan M. Crawford (born 1965), Wis
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Brad David Schimel is an American lawyer, judge, and Republican politician from Waukesha County, Wisconsin. He was the 44th attorney general of Wisconsin, serving from 2015 to 2019.