Democratic Judge Wins Wisconsin, Defying Elon Musk's Influence
Wisconsin voters elected Democratic-backed judge Susan Crawford to the state supreme court in the most expensive judicial race in US history. Her victory over conservative Brad Schimel maintains the court’s 4-3 liberal majority. The race saw over $100 million in spending, including $20 million from US President Donald Trump's adviser Elon Musk, who was a key fundraiser. Crawford criticized Musk’s involvement, saying, "justice does not have a price." Her win has major implications, as Wisconsin’s supreme court is expected to weigh in on congressional redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential election. Musk’s heavy spending became a focal point of the campaign. He personally handed out millions to voters at a rally and offered $50 payments for photos of Schimel supporters outside polling stations. Democrats framed the election as a defeat for Musk, with Senator Elizabeth Warren stating, "Wisconsin cannot be bought." Musk, however, downplayed the loss, saying, "I expected to lose, but there is value to losing a piece for a positional gain." Despite his setback in Wisconsin, Republicans secured two congressional victories in Florida. Crawford, a former Planned Parenthood attorney, opposed a constitutional amendment requiring voter ID, which passed. She benefited from major donations from Democratic billionaires, however, Musk outspent them all. Wisconsin’s court could soon rule on redistricting challenges, affecting control of the US House, where Republicans currently hold a slim majority.
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A trio of spring elections provided early warning signs to Republicans and President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
