Susan Crawford Elected to Wisconsin Supreme Court, Maintains Liberal Majority

Susan Crawford was elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court on April 1, 2025, winning approximately 55% of the vote against Brad Schimel in what has become the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history. Crawford, a former attorney for Planned Parenthood, has been a Dane County Circuit Court judge since 2018 and is known for her commitment to reproductive rights, despite facing criticism for her sentencing decisions in past cases. Her campaign was notably backed by significant out-of-state donations, including over $24 million from Elon Musk, who supported Schimel. The election is seen as a vital win for Democrats, maintaining the court's liberal majority, which is crucial in the swing state of Wisconsin. Crawford's victory reflects a growing trend of women gaining political representation in high-profile positions. This election has drawn national attention, highlighting both the financial stakes and the polarized political climate surrounding judicial appointments.