Historic Supreme Court Victory for Susan Crawford: A Sign of Change in Wisconsin Politics
On April 1, 2025, Wisconsin voters made a landmark decision by electing liberal judge Susan Crawford to the state Supreme Court, marking a significant defeat for conservative candidate Brad Schimel. With the election totaling over $100 million in spending, it became the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history, signaling a decisive referendum on numerous key issues including reproductive rights and labor protections.
Implications of Crawford’s Victory
Crawford’s victory is perceived not merely as a win for the Democratic party, but as a direct challenge to the influence of wealthy individuals like Elon Musk who sought to sway political power in favor of conservative policies. Voter turnout reached unprecedented levels, demonstrating a strong commitment among Wisconsinites to protect their rights and push back against restrictive policies.
According to Democratic voters, Crawford secured a notable 78 percent of the votes from Kamala Harris’ supporters in all 72 counties, outpacing Schimel’s 62 percent share of Trump’s voter base. Ultimately, Crawford won with 55 percent of the total votes cast, securing herself a 10-year term, while also ensuring that six out of seven justices on the state court are women—though highlighting a lack of diversity, as they are all white in a state with a 20.5 percent population identifying as people of color.
Reproductive Rights and the Feminist Agenda
Crawford’s election is particularly noteworthy given the context of Wisconsin’s 175-year-old abortion ban. As an advocate for women’s rights and labor rights, Crawford’s track record includes representing organizations like Planned Parenthood, showcasing her commitment to protecting reproductive freedoms. In contrast, Schimel’s support for restrictive abortion laws emphasizes the stark differences in their ideologies.
Women voters, notably, rallied around Crawford’s campaign, illustrating a collective stance against conservative efforts to limit reproductive rights. “Women spoke loud and clear, we won’t be bought,” stated Taylor Salditch, Executive Director of Supermajority, underscoring the mobilization against anti-abortion initiatives.
A Reaffirmation of Labor Rights
Crawford’s election also signifies a revitalized commitment to labor rights, especially in light of past attempts to dismantle union protections through legislation like Wisconsin’s Act 10. As an attorney, she previously challenged this law, standing up for public employees and educators against Republican pressures that undermined collective bargaining rights.
Wisconsin Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer noted that Crawford’s victory sends a powerful message to conservative factions across the nation, emphasizing that wealthy backers cannot overshadow the concerns and needs of ordinary workers.
A Backlash Against Wealthy Influence
Elon Musk’s substantial financial involvement in the campaign, including over $20 million aimed at influencing the outcome, ultimately backfired. Critics perceived his approach as condescending. “People vote because they believe in our democracy,” Neubauer commented, reinforcing that Wisconsinites, despite the monetary influx, prioritized genuine representation over financial incentives.
Strategies for the Future
The implications of the Wisconsin election extend beyond state lines, presenting a roadmap for Democrats as they focus on state-level races in preparation for the impending 2026 elections. This victory is seen as a crucial moment in the broader landscape of U.S. politics, demonstrating the potential for grassroots mobilization against entrenched political powers.
In a notable perspective, DNC Chair Ken Martin emphasized that the energy witnessed in Wisconsin is a testament to effective community engagement. As parties gear up for future elections, the importance of organizing at the local level remains clear.
Youth Engagement as a Driving Force
The role of younger voters, particularly those aged 18-24, is increasingly pivotal. In 2020, Wisconsin recorded the highest youth voter turnout in the nation, and Crawford’s campaign capitalized on this momentum, seeing significant support in college towns. The emphasis on youth engagement is expected to continue shaping electoral outcomes in the near future.
Crawford reflected on her unexpected journey in challenging powerful influences in pursuit of justice, stating, “I never thought I would be taking on the richest man in the world for justice. And, we won.”