MADISON, Wis. — Control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court is being determined in a high-profile election held Tuesday, with the result expected to influence future rulings on state election laws, abortion access, redistricting, and other major legal issues.
The race features two candidates with significant national backing. Former Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel is supported by Republican leaders including President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who has played an active role through organizations supporting Schimel’s campaign. His opponent, Judge Susan Crawford of Dane County Circuit Court, is backed by several Democratic-aligned groups and high-profile supporters such as former President Barack Obama, Planned Parenthood, and donors including George Soros and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
Election Overview and National Impact
The election will determine whether the Wisconsin Supreme Court maintains its current 4–3 liberal majority or returns to conservative control, which it held for 15 years before 2023. The winner will serve a 10-year term, replacing Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, who is retiring.
Issues expected to come before the court include state abortion laws, public sector union regulations, and congressional district maps. The court could also play a pivotal role in resolving any future electoral disputes in Wisconsin, a state frequently central to national elections.
Speaking from the White House on Monday, President Trump emphasized the importance of the court’s role in election matters:
“Wisconsin’s a big state politically, and the Supreme Court has a lot to do with elections in Wisconsin,” he said.
Spending and Campaign Activity
The race has become the most expensive state Supreme Court election in U.S. history, with spending exceeding $90 million, according to data from the Brennan Center for Justice. Outside groups supported by Elon Musk contributed over $21 million, leading all independent spending in the race. Trump formally endorsed Schimel 11 days before the election and continued promoting him through campaign messaging and social media posts.
Schimel’s platform has focused on law enforcement and judicial restraint. In the final days of the campaign, he emphasized his support from Trump but maintained that he would remain independent in his judicial decision-making.
Crawford has campaigned on protecting reproductive rights and public unions, and she has raised concerns over large-scale outside spending. Her campaign received support from several national figures, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and progressive organizations active in state-level elections.
Voting and Turnout
As of midday Tuesday, election officials in Dane County and across the state reported normal operations at polling places, with steady voter turnout. No major issues were reported during the voting process.
Wisconsin has a history of close statewide elections. Although the liberal candidate won the state’s last Supreme Court race in 2023 by 11 percentage points, both parties expect a narrower margin in this election due to increased turnout and national attention.
If Susan Crawford wins, the court will retain its liberal majority until at least 2028. If Brad Schimel prevails, the court’s balance could shift again as early as 2026, when the next justice seat comes up for election.
Final results are expected after polls close Tuesday night.
