Overview

• Susan Crawford defeated Trump-endorsed Brad Schimel by a double-digit margin, maintaining the Wisconsin Supreme Court's 4-3 liberal majority.
• The election became the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history, with over $99 million spent, including $21 million from Elon Musk.
• Musk's unprecedented spending and controversial tactics, such as distributing $1 million checks to voters, drew national criticism and ethical scrutiny.
• The results are widely seen as a rejection of Trump and Musk's political influence, particularly in a state Trump narrowly won in the 2024 presidential election.
• The outcome is a warning sign for Republicans, highlighting voter dissatisfaction and raising concerns about GOP strategies ahead of the 2026 midterms.