Susan Crawford won a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, retaining the liberal majority against Republican Brad Schimel, backed by significant campaign investments from Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Despite their efforts, Crawford’s victory secures a crucial advantage for liberals on key issues like abortion rights and labor laws, while demonstrating new Democratic strategies that may influence future elections.
Susan Crawford has secured a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, maintaining the liberal majority in this pivotal battleground state. Supported by Democrats, Crawford, a Dane County circuit judge, defeated Brad Schimel, a Waukesha County circuit judge and former Republican attorney general, in a race that attracted significant national attention and became the most expensive state Supreme Court contest in U.S. history.
This outcome poses a notable setback for former President Donald Trump and his advisor, Elon Musk. Trump endorsed Schimel in the campaign’s final days, while Musk actively involved himself, spending millions, visiting Wisconsin, and utilizing his social media platform to influence the election. Democrats capitalized on Musk’s involvement, portraying him as a negative force in the race due to his efforts to slash government jobs.
Crawford’s victory confirms a 4-3 liberal advantage on the court, critical for the upcoming term as the court is expected to deliberate cases involving abortion rights, labor unions, and congressional redistricting. Despite Musk and his aligned groups spending over $15 million, Democratic factions maintained a slight edge in advertising investments according to AdImpact.
Democrats targeted Musk in their campaign messaging, depicting him as attempting to monopolize influence over Schimel and the election process. Events such as the Democratic Party of Wisconsin’s “People v. Musk” town-hall tour highlighted Musk’s interventions, while also referencing his business interests, notably Tesla’s legal challenge against a dealership ownership law in Wisconsin.
Musk’s controversial offers and his promotion of a petition against “activist judges” also drew scrutiny. Attempts by Wisconsin’s Democratic attorney general to restrict Musk’s financial contributions were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the Democrats strategically avoided a focus on Trump, despite his previous electoral successes in Wisconsin, concentrating instead on local issues.
Schimel’s late-campaign alignment with Trump aimed to mobilize conservative voters, as he touted Trump’s endorsement in his ads and at events. The candidates exchanged accusations about crime and accountability, with Crawford leveraging Schimel’s tenure as attorney general to spotlight alleged mishandling of rape kit cases.
Crawford’s support for reproductive rights was also a critical theme, given ongoing legal challenges surrounding Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban. The state Supreme Court is expected to rule on significant abortion-related cases, including those questioning constitutional protections for reproductive rights.
Beyond abortion issues, the court’s upcoming decisions may include challenges to Act 10, legislation that limited collective bargaining rights for public workers, as well as disputes over congressional maps favoring Republicans. The recent addition of liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz has resulted in more favorable rulings for Democrats, alarming many Republicans about potential shifts in the state’s political landscape.
Crawford’s victory in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race reinforces the liberal majority essential for upcoming cases on crucial issues like abortion rights and labor laws. Despite significant financial backing from Musk and Trump, Democratic strategies effectively countered their influence, illustrating new tactics for future elections. This election, particularly significant in its historical context, showcases ongoing political battles in Wisconsin and highlights the strategic dynamics expected in upcoming electoral cycles.
Original Source: www.nbcnews.com
