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Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Results: A Landslide for Democrats
In a stunning upset, Democrat-backed Susan Crawford decisively won the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, defeating Republican Brad Schimel by a 10-point margin. This victory solidified liberal control of the court and dealt a significant blow to Elon Musk, who poured over $21 million into Schimel's campaign, making it the most expensive judicial race in US history.
Musk's Multi-Million Dollar Gamble Fails
Musk's extensive involvement, including personal campaign appearances and substantial financial contributions, ultimately backfired. His high-profile efforts, perceived by many as an attempt to buy the election, seemed to galvanize Democratic voters. While a voter ID amendment passed, Musk’s overt involvement in the judicial race proved ineffective in securing a conservative victory.
High Stakes, High Turnout
The election saw record-breaking turnout, exceeding 52% of the voting-age population. This high engagement underscores the intense political polarization surrounding the race. The outcome is expected to influence decisions on crucial issues like abortion rights, redistricting, and voting laws in Wisconsin, a key battleground state.
Implications Beyond Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race served as a significant test of political influence, particularly the impact of massive outside spending on judicial elections. Crawford's victory raises questions about the effectiveness of such tactics and their potential to backfire. The result also suggests a potential shift in voter sentiment regarding significant political figures like Musk and Trump, who both endorsed Schimel.
What's Next?
With a 4-3 liberal majority secured for at least the next three years, the Wisconsin Supreme Court is poised to make significant rulings on key issues impacting the state. This outcome has national implications, highlighting the increasing politicization of judicial races and the ongoing battle for control of state supreme courts across the country. The question remains whether Musk’s substantial investment and high-profile involvement will influence his future political strategies.
