In a landmark election that captivated the nation, the Wisconsin election results for the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election were finalized late on April 1, revealing a decisive victory for Judge Susan Crawford over her opponent, Brad Schimel. This race, officially dubbed the Wisconsin Supreme Court race results, not only set a new record for the most expensive judicial contest in U.S. history but also underscored the deep political divisions in this critical swing state. As the dust settles on election results today, we dive into the details of this historic event, exploring what it means for Wisconsin and beyond.
A Record-Breaking Election in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin election results 2025 showcased an unprecedented level of voter turnout and financial investment. With more than $100 million spent—doubling the previous record set in 2023—the WI Supreme Court election became a national spectacle. Polls closed in Wisconsin at 8 p.m. CDT on April 1, and by late evening, the Associated Press projected Susan Crawford as the winner, securing her a 10-year term on the Supreme Court Wisconsin bench.
Crawford’s victory ensures that liberals maintain their 4-3 majority on the Wisconsin State Supreme Court, a balance first achieved in 2023. This outcome is a significant setback for conservative forces, including President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, who heavily backed Schimel. For those asking who won the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, the answer is clear: Susan Crawford Wisconsin prevailed in what many are calling a referendum on outside influence in state politics.
The Candidates: Crawford vs. Schimel
The Wisconsin race pitted two seasoned judges against each other in a contest that transcended the typical boundaries of a nonpartisan judicial election. Judge Susan Crawford, a Dane County Circuit Court judge since 2018, ran with strong backing from the Democratic Party. Known for her work defending union rights, abortion access, and challenging voter ID laws, Crawford positioned herself as a champion of fairness and democracy. Her campaign leaned heavily on grassroots support and endorsements from figures like former President Barack Obama.
On the other side, Brad Schimel, a Waukesha County Circuit Court judge and former Wisconsin Attorney General, aligned himself with Republican interests. Schimel’s campaign emphasized a “tough on crime” stance, bolstered by endorsements from Trump and Musk, who injected over $20 million into the race through affiliated groups. The Crawford vs. Schimel polls fluctuated in the weeks leading up to Election Day, with some showing a dead heat and others giving Crawford a slight edge.
Ultimately, Susan Crawford results reflected a 54.4% to 45.6% victory margin with 94% of votes counted by 11:15 p.m. CDT, according to NPR. This outcome answered the question who won in Wisconsin and solidified Crawford’s place in the state’s judicial history.
Why the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Matters
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election 2025 was more than just a local contest—it was a battleground for national issues. The court’s 4-3 liberal majority, now preserved, will play a pivotal role in upcoming cases on abortion rights, redistricting, and voting laws. For instance, the court is poised to rule on whether an 1849 law banning nearly all abortions remains enforceable and whether the state constitution guarantees abortion access. These decisions could reshape Wisconsin voting results and political landscapes for years to come.
Moreover, the Supreme Court Wisconsin race served as an early test of voter sentiment in the Trump administration’s second term. With Elon Musk Wisconsin involvement drawing intense scrutiny, Democrats framed the election as “The People vs. Musk,” a narrative that resonated with voters wary of billionaire influence. As Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. House Minority Leader, noted in a pre-election rally, a Crawford win could pave the way for redrawing congressional maps, potentially adding Democratic seats in Congress.
Turnout and Polling: A Historic Day
The Wisconsin vote saw extraordinary participation for a spring election. Turnout exceeded 2.4 million voters—nearly 40% higher than the 2023 WI Supreme Court election results and approaching midterm election levels, according to The New York Times. When do polls close in Wisconsin? The official time is 8 p.m. CDT, though Wisconsin polls close deadlines were met with reports of ballot shortages in Milwaukee due to “historic turnout,” as noted by local election officials.
Pre-election Wisconsin Supreme Court race polls offered mixed predictions. An AtlasIntel poll from late March gave Susan Crawford polls a 53% to 46% lead over Brad Schimel polls, while a SoCal Strategies survey showed her ahead 50% to 42%. Conversely, an OnMessage Inc. poll earlier in March had the Crawford Schimel polls tied at 47%. The Wisconsin Supreme Court race polls live updates on Election Day reflected a tight race, but Crawford’s strong performance in urban centers like Dane County election results and Milwaukee tipped the scales.
The Role of Elon Musk and National Figures
No discussion of the Wisconsin election today is complete without addressing Elon Musk. The tech mogul’s involvement was unprecedented, with his America PAC and other groups spending over $20 million to support Schimel. Musk even traveled to Wisconsin days before the election, handing out $1 million checks to voters who signed petitions opposing “activist judges.” This move sparked controversy, with Democrats accusing him of attempting to buy the Supreme Court election.
Despite Musk’s efforts, Wisconsin news outlets reported a backlash. Crawford capitalized on this sentiment, famously referring to Schimel as “Elon Schimel” during a debate. Her campaign’s billboards reading “Don’t let Elon buy the Supreme Court” struck a chord with voters like Jeannine Ramsey, a 65-year-old Madison resident who told The Guardian, “I think it’s shameful that Elon Wisconsin can come here and spend millions to bribe citizens.”
Trump’s endorsement of Schimel, coupled with appearances by Donald Trump Jr., further nationalized the Wisconsin judge election. However, the results of Wisconsin Supreme Court election suggest that this strategy may have backfired, galvanizing Democratic turnout instead.
County-by-County Breakdown
The Wisconsin election results by county reveal stark regional divides. Crawford dominated in Democratic strongholds like Dane County, home to Madison, and Milwaukee County, where she secured 73% and 68% of the vote, respectively—mirroring trends from the 2023 election. Meanwhile, Schimel performed well in the conservative “WOW” counties (Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington), but his margins there couldn’t offset urban losses.
Interestingly, Crawford also won Brown County, including Green Bay, by a narrow margin—a region Trump carried in 2024. This shift highlights the Wisconsin results as a rejection of Musk and Trump’s influence rather than a pure partisan realignment.
Crawford’s Victory Speech and Schimel’s Concession
At her election night event in Madison, Crawford Wisconsin Supreme Court addressed a jubilant crowd. “Today, Wisconsinites fended off an unprecedented attack on our democracy,” she declared. “Justice does not have a price, and our courts are not for sale.” Her words underscored the narrative that propelled her to victory: a defense of judicial integrity against external forces.
Meanwhile, in Pewaukee, Schimel Wisconsin conceded gracefully. “We didn’t leave anything on the field,” he told supporters, urging them to accept the WI election results despite initial boos. Schimel, a bassist in a classic rock cover band, even performed post-concession, covering Tom Petty—an unusual but humanizing end to a bruising campaign.
Implications for Wisconsin and Beyond
The Wisconsin Supreme Court results carry profound implications. With liberals retaining control, the court is likely to uphold progressive stances on key issues. Abortion rights advocates, for instance, see Crawford’s win as a safeguard against restrictive laws, while unions anticipate favorable rulings on collective bargaining.
Nationally, the election results in Wisconsin signal challenges for Trump and Musk’s agendas. The failure of Musk Wisconsin to sway voters may deter similar interventions in future races, while Democrats gain momentum heading into 2026 midterms. As who won Wisconsin becomes a topic of analysis, political strategists are already dissecting what went wrong for Schimel.
Public Reaction and Voter Voices
The Wisconsin voting public offered diverse perspectives. Taylor Sullivan, a 39-year-old Iraq War veteran from Waunakee, supported Schimel for his pro-police stance, telling ABC News, “It’s not about Trump or Musk for me.” Conversely, Ramsey in Madison cited Musk’s involvement as her reason for backing Crawford, reflecting a broader sentiment of resisting outside influence.
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Social media buzzed with reactions, with some X users calling for an audit of the WI election—though no evidence of fraud has emerged as of April 2. The live Wisconsin election results kept viewers glued to screens, amplifying the race’s national profile.
The Path Forward
With Crawford wins now official, attention turns to her tenure. Is Susan Crawford a Democrat or Republican? While the race was nonpartisan, her Democratic backing and progressive record leave little doubt about her ideological leanings. Married with two children, Crawford brings a personal touch to her judicial role, rooted in her Chippewa Falls upbringing.
For Wisconsin elections 2025, this race sets a precedent. The next liberal justice isn’t up for election until 2028, giving the current majority stability. However, conservatives will likely regroup, eyeing future opportunities to flip the WI Supreme Court.
Conclusion
The Wisconsin election results of April 1, 2025, mark a turning point. Susan Crawford election results affirm the resilience of Wisconsin’s electorate against record-breaking spending and national interference. As who won the election in Wisconsin echoes across headlines, the state reaffirms its status as a political bellwether.
From Wisconsin polls to Supreme Court justices, this election encapsulated the stakes of democracy in action. Whether you’re tracking today’s election results or pondering why is the Wisconsin Supreme Court race so important, one thing is certain: Wisconsin judge Susan Crawford’s victory will resonate far beyond the Badger State.
The New York Times – Detailed election analytics and county-by-county maps.
The Washington Post – Live updates and analysis of the Supreme Court race.
NBC News – Projections and insights on Crawford’s victory.
Associated Press (AP News) – Official race calls and spending breakdowns.
The Guardian – Coverage of Musk’s role and voter reactions.
FAQ
Q: Who won the Wisconsin Supreme Court election in 2025?
A: Susan Crawford won the Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 1, 2025, defeating Brad Schimel and preserving the court’s 4-3 liberal majority.
Q: What time do polls close in Wisconsin?
A: Polls in Wisconsin close at 8 p.m. CDT, as they did for the 2025 Supreme Court election.
Q: Why was the Wisconsin Supreme Court race so important?
A: The Wisconsin Supreme Court race determined ideological control of the court, impacting rulings on abortion, redistricting, and voting rights in a key swing state.
Q: Did Elon Musk influence the Wisconsin election?
A: Elon Musk spent over $20 million supporting Brad Schimel, but his efforts failed to sway voters, who elected Susan Crawford instead.
Q: Is Susan Crawford a Democrat or Republican?
A: While the race was nonpartisan, Susan Crawford was backed by Democrats and aligns with progressive causes.
Q: How much was spent on the Wisconsin Supreme Court election?
A: Over $100 million was spent, making it the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, per the Brennan Center for Justice.
Q: Who is Susan Crawford?
A: Susan Crawford is a Dane County judge elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2025, known for her work on union and abortion rights
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