In a significant political shift for Wisconsin, Judge Susan Crawford has been projected to win a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This victory, announced on April 1, 2025, is particularly notable as it helps maintain a liberal majority on the court. Crawford, a former prosecutor, faced off against conservative candidate Brad Schimel, who received endorsements from notable figures including former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.
The race was one of the most expensive judicial campaigns in U.S. history, with over $90 million spent. High voter turnout in key Democratic areas, particularly in Milwaukee and Dane County, played a crucial role in Crawford’s success. While her win is celebrated by liberal supporters, it comes alongside a Republican victory in a separate measure that adds a voter ID requirement to the state constitution.
Crawford’s campaign was supported by various wealthy donors, including prominent liberal figures like George Soros and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Her background includes work as a lawyer for Planned Parenthood, where she opposed voter ID laws, leading to her being labeled "dangerously liberal" by the Wisconsin Republican Party.
Both parties viewed this race as critical for the upcoming congressional elections. With Crawford’s win, Democrats hope to challenge Wisconsin’s congressional maps, which they argue are gerrymandered in favor of Republicans. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the importance of a fair Supreme Court in revisiting these lines.
Crawford’s victory could also influence key issues like abortion rights, voter ID laws, and union reforms in the state. In response to the election results, the Women Speak Out PAC expressed disappointment, warning that a liberal majority could threaten human rights and the rule of law in Wisconsin.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Crawford’s victory marks a pivotal moment for both Wisconsin and national politics, with implications that may reach far beyond the state’s borders.