Wisconsin's Supreme Court Sees a Shift in Power

Wisconsin's political landscape shifted significantly with the Wisconsin Supreme Court election. The Associated Press announced Dane County Judge Susan Crawford as the winner. Her strong performance in key Democratic areas secured her victory. This win maintains the liberal-leaning majority on the court, keeping the balance at 4-3. The AP made this call at 10:16 p. m. EDT on Tuesday, with about two-thirds of the votes counted. The remaining votes, especially in Milwaukee, heavily favored Crawford, making it impossible for her opponent, Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel, to catch up. Although the court seats are nonpartisan, Crawford had the support of both state and national Democrats. Schimel, on the other hand, was backed by Republicans, including President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has been a battleground for political ideologies. Liberal justices gained a majority in 2023, but a retirement opened the door for conservatives to regain control. This election was a crucial test of Wisconsin's political climate after Trump's victory in the state. The race attracted national attention and saw massive spending, reaching nearly 100 million dollars. In 2023, Democrat-backed Janet Protasiewicz won the Supreme Court seat by a significant margin. The following year, Trump narrowly defeated Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election. Crawford's performance outshone Democrat Joe Biden's 2020 victory, especially in Milwaukee and Dane counties. Schimel, however, struggled to match Trump's performance in key counties. A surprising turn occurred in Brown County, home to Green Bay. Initially, Schimel led, but Crawford eventually took the lead with almost all votes counted. This election underscores the importance of urban areas in Wisconsin's politics. It also highlights the ongoing battle for control of the state's highest court. The outcome will shape the court's decisions on critical issues like abortion, unions, and voting rights. The fight for Wisconsin's political soul continues, with the Supreme Court at the center of it all.