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The Wisconsin Supreme Court race between liberal Judge Susan Crawford and conservative Judge Brad Schimel set a new record as the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history. Total spending in the race exceeded $100 million, reflecting its high stakes for both political parties.

Historic Spending in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

Judge Schimel, backed by Republicans, received strong financial and public support from notable figures such as billionaire Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump. Schimel's campaign raised over $15 million directly, with Musk contributing more than $20 million through various groups and initiatives. Conservative-aligned spending in support of Schimel totaled nearly $40 million. Musk even hosted a high-profile town hall in Wisconsin, urging voters to back Schimel. Total spent is estimated at $65 million.

Democratic Victory 

Judge Susan Crawford, supported by Democrats, secured victory, maintaining a 4-3 liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Her campaign raised nearly $28 million, with significant donations from prominent Democratic donors, including George Soros and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Democratic-aligned groups collectively spent over $45 million in support of Crawford. The total spent is estimated at over $68 million.

The race was seen as a crucial battleground for issues such as abortion rights, union power, and redistricting.

For Wisconsin Republicans, regaining a conservative majority on the state’s highest court was a key priority.

Musk's Role in

Wisconsin, a state that narrowly backed Trump over Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, saw voters shifting in favor of the liberal candidate.

Crawford's victory represents a setback for Musk, who has become a central figure in Trump’s White House Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The task force’s cost-cutting measures are now facing increasing scrutiny. Political fallout from DOGE is also affecting Musk's business interests, including Tesla.

Democrats view Crawford’s win as a sign of potential electoral gains in the 2026 midterm elections.

Musk even hyped the political stakes during the contest. He said that a Democratic-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court planned to redraw congressional districts, potentially eliminating two Republican seats.

“If the Wisconsin Supreme Court is able to redraw the districts, they will gerrymander the district and deprive Wisconsin of two seats on the Republican side,” Musk warned. “Then they will try to stop all the government reforms we are getting done for you, the American people.”

Potential Redistricting

With a slim Republican majority in the U.S. House (218-213), any changes to Wisconsin’s congressional maps could play a pivotal role in the next midterm elections.