Judge Susan Crawford greets supporters in Madison, Wis., Tuesday after winning a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Angela Major/WPR
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Angela Major/WPR
In a closely watched election, County Judge Susan Crawford has secured a position on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as confirmed by the Associated Press. Crawford’s victory over Brad Schimel ensures that the court will maintain its 4-3 liberal majority.
Schimel, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump and backed financially by Elon Musk, was defeated in what was anticipated to be the most expensive state supreme court race ever, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. The campaign expenditures by candidates and supporters reportedly exceeded $100 million.
The high financial stakes were partially due to the national implications of the race, seen as a gauge of voter sentiment and a test of Trump’s influence in a swing state. After 9:30 p.m. local time, Crawford celebrated with her supporters, noting Schimel had conceded.
“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 in Wisconsin — and we won,” Crawford declared, promising to serve as a “fair, impartial and common sense justice.”
Schimel, addressing his own supporters, confirmed his concession, dismissing claims of electoral misconduct by emphasizing the importance of accepting the results. Notably, he performed with his classic rock band during the event.
By 11:15 p.m., with 94% of votes tallied, Crawford led with 54.4% compared to Schimel’s 45.6%, indicative of high voter turnout for a judicial election.
Judge Brad Schimel makes his concession speech to a crowd at his election night party Tuesday in Pewaukee, Wis.
Andy Manis/AP
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Andy Manis/AP
Abortion, unions, and possibly redistricting may come before the court
The Wisconsin Supreme Court faces several significant cases, including the regulation of abortion and whether a pre-Civil War ban supersedes current state law permitting abortions up to about 20 weeks. Additionally, the court will address a 2011 law that restricts collective bargaining for most public employees.
Elon Musk’s involvement highlighted the potential for the court to impact the redrawing of voting districts, potentially affecting the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. Musk, alongside aligned groups, contributed $20 million to support Schimel and incentivized voters against “activist judges” by offering financial rewards.
Crawford’s legal career and political affiliations
Crawford’s legal journey began in northwestern Wisconsin and included roles with former Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle as assistant attorney general and general counsel. Her private practice work included cases for Planned Parenthood, unions, and challenges to the state’s voter ID law. Her 2018 election as a circuit court judge in Dane County marked a new chapter.
Schimel, a judge in Waukesha County and former Republican state attorney general, has supported the voter ID law and acknowledged the validity of the historic abortion law, advocating for the “will of the people” to decide.
Crawford’s campaign, supported by the Wisconsin Democratic Party and national figures like Barack Obama, highlighted her experience and commitment to women’s issues. In contrast, Schimel’s campaign was bolstered by conservative donors and endorsements.
The judicial race was marked by substantial financial backing from both political parties. Notably, neither Crawford nor Schimel committed to recusal in cases involving major donors, as Wisconsin law grants judges broad discretion in such matters.
Crawford will begin her ten-year term on August 1.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
