In a closely watched and historically expensive election, liberal Judge Susan Crawford defeated conservative Brad Schimel to secure a 10-year term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, preserving the court’s narrow liberal majority. This outcome not only represents a significant victory for Democrats but also a deeply personal and strategic defeat for billionaire Elon Musk , who invested millions into the race in an attempt to sway its outcome.
A Record-Breaking Election
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race shattered records as the most expensive judicial election in US history, with Musk pouring over $21 million into Schimel’s campaign. Much of this funding came through Musk’s America PAC, a political action committee he established to support former President Donald Trump . Musk’s contributions included direct financial backing for Schimel and controversial cash incentives for voters—offering $100 for signing petitions and $1 million checks to select individuals. Despite these efforts, Crawford emerged victorious, securing the liberal majority on the court with national implications for issues such as abortion rights, labour laws, and electoral redistricting.
Musk’s Political Aspirations
Elon Musk’s involvement in this race was far from incidental. As a key figure in President Donald Trump’s administration and leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has become increasingly active in shaping political outcomes. DOGE has drawn significant attention for its aggressive cost-cutting measures across federal agencies, making Musk a polarizing figure in American politics.
By supporting Schimel, Musk aimed to bolster conservative judicial influence in Wisconsin—a critical swing state—and indirectly advance Trump’s agenda. The Wisconsin Supreme Court holds significant sway over issues like voting rights and redistricting, which are pivotal ahead of the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential election . Losing this race undermines Musk’s ability to influence these broader political dynamics.
Democrats’ Strategy: Framing Musk as the Antagonist
Throughout the campaign, Democrats strategically positioned Musk as the primary antagonist, framing his substantial financial contributions as an attempt to “buy” the election. Judge Crawford and her supporters emphasized this narrative in their messaging, portraying Musk’s involvement as an unprecedented assault on democracy.
In her victory speech, Crawford declared, “Today, Wisconsinites defended against an unprecedented attack on our democracy, our equitable elections, and our Supreme Court. Wisconsin has firmly declared that justice cannot be bought; our courts are not for sale.” This rhetoric resonated with voters who were wary of corporate interference in judicial matters and galvanized Democratic turnout.
A Proxy Battle for National Politics
The race quickly became a proxy battle between Trump-aligned conservatives and Democrats at both state and national levels. While officially nonpartisan, the ideological stakes were clear: Republicans rallied behind Schimel with endorsements from Trump and Musk, while Democrats—including former President Barack Obama—supported Crawford.
The election served as the first major test of public sentiment during Trump’s second term and highlighted Musk’s growing role as a political influencer. However, the loss signals resistance to both Trump’s policies and Musk’s controversial leadership at DOGE.
Financial Tactics Backfire
Musk’s financial tactics drew widespread criticism from Democrats and progressive organizations. His decision to offer cash incentives—such as handing out $1 million checks to voters—was seen by many as an attempt to undermine democratic principles. These strategies ultimately backfired by energizing opposition among Democratic voters who viewed them as emblematic of corporate overreach.
Despite the unprecedented spending from Musk-affiliated groups, Schimel conceded defeat on election night. During his concession speech, one voter shouted “Cheater!”—a reflection of the contentious nature of the race.
Implications for DOGE and Tesla
The loss carries broader implications for Musk beyond politics. DOGE has faced mounting criticism over its cost-cutting initiatives, which have led to staffing reductions and decreased federal services. Crawford’s win signals growing resistance to these policies at both state and national levels.
Additionally, Tesla—Musk’s flagship company—has been embroiled in legal disputes with Wisconsin over dealership rights. A conservative-leaning court could have been more favourable to Tesla’s interests, making this loss a setback for Musk’s business ambitions as well.
The Symbolism of Wisconsin
Wisconsin holds outsized importance in American politics as a key battleground state. By investing so heavily in this race, Musk hoped to shape not just its judiciary but also broader electoral trends ahead of future contests like the 2028 presidential election.
However, Crawford’s victory suggests that even vast financial resources cannot guarantee success—especially when voters perceive those resources as undermining democratic norms.
Musk Responds
Following the loss, Elon Musk took to his X platform (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration. He criticized “the long con of the left” but shifted focus to a concurrent voter ID amendment passed during the election—a small consolation amid his larger defeat. While Musk emphasized that voter ID laws were “the most important thing,” his comments underscored how sorely he felt Schimel's loss.
Money Can’t Buy Everything
Elon Musk’s involvement in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race was not merely about supporting Brad Schimel; it was part of a larger strategy to cement his political influence and advance conservative priorities. The loss represents a rejection of these ambitions by Wisconsin voters—a costly lesson about the limits of money and power in American democracy. As Democrats celebrate their victory and liberals retain control of the court, questions remain about how this defeat will shape Musk’s future political endeavours. Will he recalibrate his approach or double down on similar contests? Regardless of his next move, one thing is clear: Wisconsin has sent a loud message that justice cannot be bought.
A Record-Breaking Election
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race shattered records as the most expensive judicial election in US history, with Musk pouring over $21 million into Schimel’s campaign. Much of this funding came through Musk’s America PAC, a political action committee he established to support former President Donald Trump . Musk’s contributions included direct financial backing for Schimel and controversial cash incentives for voters—offering $100 for signing petitions and $1 million checks to select individuals. Despite these efforts, Crawford emerged victorious, securing the liberal majority on the court with national implications for issues such as abortion rights, labour laws, and electoral redistricting.
Musk’s Political Aspirations
Elon Musk’s involvement in this race was far from incidental. As a key figure in President Donald Trump’s administration and leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has become increasingly active in shaping political outcomes. DOGE has drawn significant attention for its aggressive cost-cutting measures across federal agencies, making Musk a polarizing figure in American politics.
By supporting Schimel, Musk aimed to bolster conservative judicial influence in Wisconsin—a critical swing state—and indirectly advance Trump’s agenda. The Wisconsin Supreme Court holds significant sway over issues like voting rights and redistricting, which are pivotal ahead of the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential election . Losing this race undermines Musk’s ability to influence these broader political dynamics.
Democrats’ Strategy: Framing Musk as the Antagonist
Throughout the campaign, Democrats strategically positioned Musk as the primary antagonist, framing his substantial financial contributions as an attempt to “buy” the election. Judge Crawford and her supporters emphasized this narrative in their messaging, portraying Musk’s involvement as an unprecedented assault on democracy.
In her victory speech, Crawford declared, “Today, Wisconsinites defended against an unprecedented attack on our democracy, our equitable elections, and our Supreme Court. Wisconsin has firmly declared that justice cannot be bought; our courts are not for sale.” This rhetoric resonated with voters who were wary of corporate interference in judicial matters and galvanized Democratic turnout.
A Proxy Battle for National Politics
The race quickly became a proxy battle between Trump-aligned conservatives and Democrats at both state and national levels. While officially nonpartisan, the ideological stakes were clear: Republicans rallied behind Schimel with endorsements from Trump and Musk, while Democrats—including former President Barack Obama—supported Crawford.
The election served as the first major test of public sentiment during Trump’s second term and highlighted Musk’s growing role as a political influencer. However, the loss signals resistance to both Trump’s policies and Musk’s controversial leadership at DOGE.
Financial Tactics Backfire
Musk’s financial tactics drew widespread criticism from Democrats and progressive organizations. His decision to offer cash incentives—such as handing out $1 million checks to voters—was seen by many as an attempt to undermine democratic principles. These strategies ultimately backfired by energizing opposition among Democratic voters who viewed them as emblematic of corporate overreach.
Despite the unprecedented spending from Musk-affiliated groups, Schimel conceded defeat on election night. During his concession speech, one voter shouted “Cheater!”—a reflection of the contentious nature of the race.
Implications for DOGE and Tesla
The loss carries broader implications for Musk beyond politics. DOGE has faced mounting criticism over its cost-cutting initiatives, which have led to staffing reductions and decreased federal services. Crawford’s win signals growing resistance to these policies at both state and national levels.
Additionally, Tesla—Musk’s flagship company—has been embroiled in legal disputes with Wisconsin over dealership rights. A conservative-leaning court could have been more favourable to Tesla’s interests, making this loss a setback for Musk’s business ambitions as well.
The Symbolism of Wisconsin
Wisconsin holds outsized importance in American politics as a key battleground state. By investing so heavily in this race, Musk hoped to shape not just its judiciary but also broader electoral trends ahead of future contests like the 2028 presidential election.
However, Crawford’s victory suggests that even vast financial resources cannot guarantee success—especially when voters perceive those resources as undermining democratic norms.
Musk Responds
Following the loss, Elon Musk took to his X platform (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration. He criticized “the long con of the left” but shifted focus to a concurrent voter ID amendment passed during the election—a small consolation amid his larger defeat. While Musk emphasized that voter ID laws were “the most important thing,” his comments underscored how sorely he felt Schimel's loss.
Money Can’t Buy Everything
Elon Musk’s involvement in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race was not merely about supporting Brad Schimel; it was part of a larger strategy to cement his political influence and advance conservative priorities. The loss represents a rejection of these ambitions by Wisconsin voters—a costly lesson about the limits of money and power in American democracy. As Democrats celebrate their victory and liberals retain control of the court, questions remain about how this defeat will shape Musk’s future political endeavours. Will he recalibrate his approach or double down on similar contests? Regardless of his next move, one thing is clear: Wisconsin has sent a loud message that justice cannot be bought.
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