Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, spent over $25 million in support of Judge Brad Schimel in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, but ultimately the liberal candidate, Judge Susan Crawford, emerged victorious. This result was seen as a boost for Democrats in a time where they have been feeling particularly demoralized. Judge Crawford’s win is seen as a sign that the party is regaining energy and may have a winning strategy in the new political landscape.
Musk’s heavy involvement in the Wisconsin race made him a target for Democrats, who shifted their focus to him rather than making the election solely about President Trump. Judge Schimel, on the other hand, embraced Trump and his policies, hoping to rally the president’s supporters to the polls. However, the Democratic strategy seemed to have paid off, as they were able to energize their base more than Trump’s endorsement was able to assist Schimel.
Judge Crawford’s victory will give liberals a majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court for the next several years, ensuring a more favorable view on issues such as abortion and labor rights. At the national level, her election may lead to a reshaping of Wisconsin’s congressional maps, which Democrats hope will result in gaining two more seats. The state’s Democrats see this victory as a critical win in a time of divided government and a necessary check on the power of the Republican-controlled legislature.
In Florida, two Trump-backed Republicans won special elections for vacant House seats, adding to the president’s allies in Congress. While Democrats were able to narrow the Republican victories from previous margins, their enthusiasm was not enough to secure a win in either race. Despite criticism from within his own party, Republican Michael Fine ran a campaign centered on his support for Trump, appealing to conservative voters and framing his win as a reflection of continued support for the president’s agenda.
Additionally, Wisconsin voters approved an amendment to the State Constitution requiring photo identification at the polls, further solidifying the existing law. This decision, supported by Republicans, was seen as a preemptive measure to protect the requirement from being overturned by a liberal State Supreme Court. While the practical impact of this amendment may be limited, as photo ID has been a part of voting in Wisconsin for some time, it reflects a growing bipartisan consensus on the issue from voters in the state.
