Susan Crawford Elected to Wisconsin Supreme Court, Preserving Liberal Majority
Susan Crawford has been elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, according to projections by NBC News. Her victory preserves the court’s 4-3 liberal majority. The high-cost race drew significant national attention as the first major statewide election during President Donald Trump’s second term.
Crawford, a circuit judge from Dane County, defeated Waukesha County circuit judge and former state attorney general Brad Schimel. The contest, though officially nonpartisan, saw extensive involvement from political figures and organizations aligned with both parties.
Financial support played a major role in the race. Crawford benefited from backing by Democratic-aligned donors and groups, including contributions from George Soros. Conversely, Schimel received endorsements and financial support from figures such as President Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk, who also visited Wisconsin and promoted Schimel’s campaign online.
Despite record-breaking spending, Crawford secured a 10-year term, reinforcing the court’s liberal-leaning alignment heading into a session likely to include major rulings on abortion, union rights, and redistricting.
Legal challenges currently before the court include a case reviewing Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion law. The court may also consider whether the state constitution establishes a right to abortion. Other expected cases involve potential challenges to Wisconsin’s congressional districts and the 2011 Act 10 law that limited collective bargaining rights for public employees.
Crawford will assume office in August, replacing retiring Justice Ann Walsh Bradley. Her election ensures the current 4-3 liberal majority remains intact through at least 2026.
Wisconsin voters also passed a constitutional amendment to formalize an existing voter ID law, requiring photo identification for in-person and absentee voting. Supporters said the amendment aimed to protect the law from future legal challenges.
In a separate race, State Superintendent Jill Underly, supported by the Democratic Party, won reelection against Brittany Kinser, who was backed by conservative groups. That race, too, attracted attention amid national debates over the future of the U.S. Department of Education.
