Democrats have secured victory in a high-profile and historically expensive election in battleground Wisconsin, maintaining a liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The race between Judge Susan Crawford and Judge Brad Schimel was heavily influenced by outside money and turned into a referendum on President Donald Trump’s controversial moves during his second term. Billionaire Elon Musk, a key donor and adviser to Trump, inserted himself into the race, but the people of Wisconsin rejected his influence. The Democratic National Committee sees this victory as a bellwether for next year’s midterm elections.
Republicans, on the other hand, held control in two special congressional elections in red state Florida. The party secured double-digit victories, giving the GOP breathing room in the House of Representatives. Despite being vastly outraised, the Republican candidates won by significant margins in districts that Trump carried by large margins in the previous presidential election. Democrats, however, see these results as an overperformance and a sign that political headwinds are in their favor heading into the 2026 elections.
Elon Musk’s involvement in the Wisconsin race, where he spent roughly $20 million in support of Schimel, drew significant attention. Musk controversially handed out $1 million checks to Wisconsin voters who had already cast ballots in the election, an action that raised eyebrows. Crawford highlighted the victory as a win against the richest man in the world. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized that the rejection of the extreme Republican candidate sent a decisive message to Musk, Trump, and special interests that democracy is not for sale.
Despite this victory, Democrats are facing challenges with their brand as national polls show all-time low ratings for the party. Party activists are frustrated over their inability to counter Trump’s agenda, and there is a lack of a clear vision or governing agenda beyond opposing the White House. While Democrats faced setbacks in special elections in 2023 and 2024, they view the recent victories as a sign of energy and momentum heading into future elections. Republicans acknowledge the challenges ahead and argue that special elections may not always reflect broader political trends.
Overall, the Wisconsin election victory for Democrats is seen as a significant win that could impact the party’s prospects in future elections. Republicans, while acknowledging their losses in special elections in Florida, remain focused on maintaining their majority in the House of Representatives. Elon Musk’s involvement in the Wisconsin race has raised concerns about the influence of wealthy donors in elections, but Democrats see their victory as a rejection of such influence. As both parties navigate the political landscape heading into the midterms, the results in Wisconsin and Florida offer insights into voter sentiment and potential outcomes in future elections.
