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Wisconsin Supreme Court Win Energizes Democrats, Highlights GOP Divisions

Susan Crawford's decisive victory over a Musk-backed candidate signals resistance to the Trump-Musk agenda as Democrats rally for upcoming battles.

Elon Musk arrives for a town hall in Green Bay, Wisconsin, wearing a cheesehead hat on March 30, 2025. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Claire McCaskill and Elon Musk
Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford waves during her election night party after winning the election Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)

Overview

  • Liberal candidate Susan Crawford defeated conservative Brad Schimel, preserving a liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court in a race heavily influenced by Elon Musk's financial backing.
  • Democrats are framing the Wisconsin win as a rejection of Donald Trump and Elon Musk's policies, which include government cuts and economic reforms deemed unpopular by many voters.
  • The victory, along with recent Democratic successes in other special elections, has provided the party with renewed momentum heading into the 2026 midterms.
  • Some Republicans are privately concerned about Musk's growing influence within the GOP, fearing it may harm the party's long-term prospects with voters.
  • Nationwide protests against the Trump-Musk agenda are planned for the coming days, reflecting heightened grassroots activism and voter frustration.