Photo: Getty Images
Susan Crawford has won a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, marking a major victory for the Democratic party.
According to Newsweek, Crawford defeated conservative favorite Brad Schimel in Tuesday's (April 1) race for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
The high-stakes race drew over $90 million in spending, including over $25 million from Elon Musk and affiliated groups, making it the most expensive judicial election in American history With the Wisconsin Supreme Court's ideological makeup on the line, conservatives poured millions into the race in hopes of electing Schimel and holding the majority ahead of upcoming decisions over hot-button issues, including abortion access, labor rights, and redistricting.
Musk even went as far as to dole out $1 million checks to voters at a rally in Green Bay on Sunday (March 30).
“I think this will be important for the future of civilization,” Musk said Sunday. “It’s that’s significant.”
Despite the heavy investment from conservatives, Crawford decidedly won the race with a 9-point margin, preserving the court's 4-3 liberal majority. The court is poised to decide on whether abortion rights should remain legal statewide, as well as the legality of congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterms. Crawford's election could pave the way for Democrats to challenge congressional districts drawn and passed by Republicans in 2011. A ruling in their favor could make previously unwinnable districts more competitive for Democrats.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court victory also gives Democrats a high-profile morale boost after President Donald Trump won the swing state by less than 1 percent in the 2024 election.
On Tuesday, Crawford acknowledged her victory despite GOP efforts and Musk's influence.
"I've got to tell you, as a little girl growing up in Chippewa Falls, I never could have imagined that I'd be taking on the richest man in the world for justice and Wisconsin. And we won!" Crawford said during her victory speech.
"Today, Wisconsinites fended off an unprecedented attack on our democracy, our fair elections, and our Supreme Court," she added. "And Wisconsin stood up and said loudly that justice does not have a price, our courts are not for sale."
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.