Susan Crawford has won the open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, maintaining the court's 4-3 liberal majority according to Decision Desk HQ. Key points:
Crawford (Dane County circuit court judge) defeated Brad Schimel (former GOP state attorney general)
She replaces retiring liberal justice Ann Walsh Bradley
This represents a significant setback for Elon Musk, whose America PAC spent over $12 million supporting Schimel
Musk personally campaigned in Wisconsin, distributing $1 million checks to voters who signed his petition against "activist judges"
President Trump actively endorsed Schimel and encouraged voter turnout
Wisconsin Republicans missed an opportunity to regain a conservative majority on the court after losing it in 2023
The race broke previous fundraising records by tens of millions of dollars
This election is viewed as the first major referendum on Trump's second term as president