The Democratic-backed candidate in a closely contested Wisconsin judicial race defeated a conservative rival supported by billionaire Elon Musk, preserving a liberal majority on the state’s supreme court and dealing a blow to one of President Donald Trump’s most prominent allies.
Susan Crawford, a circuit court judge, beat former state attorney general Brad Schimel, according to NBC and CNN.
The off-year race in a battleground state became a major test for both parties — and the most expensive judicial contest in US history — with impacts on abortion rights and labor laws in Wisconsin as well as for congressional redistricting plans ahead of next year’s midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race.
Wisconsin is a crucial swing-state in presidential elections, having backed former President Joe Biden in 2020 before flipping for Trump in 2024. Republicans hold six of its eight congressional seats but new district maps could alter that balance, imperiling the narrow advantage the party holds in the US House of Representatives.
Susan Crawford, a circuit court judge, beat former state attorney general Brad Schimel, according to NBC and CNN.
The off-year race in a battleground state became a major test for both parties — and the most expensive judicial contest in US history — with impacts on abortion rights and labor laws in Wisconsin as well as for congressional redistricting plans ahead of next year’s midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race.
Wisconsin is a crucial swing-state in presidential elections, having backed former President Joe Biden in 2020 before flipping for Trump in 2024. Republicans hold six of its eight congressional seats but new district maps could alter that balance, imperiling the narrow advantage the party holds in the US House of Representatives.
