Who is Susan Crawford? Wisconsin Supreme Court election winner

Susan Crawford, a liberal circuit court judge from Dane County, has won the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, securing the court’s liberal majority. Her victory over conservative judge Brad Schimel marks a significant win for Democrats in a key battleground state. The race was one of the most expensive judicial elections in US history, drawing national attention.

Crawford, known for her legal work defending union rights, abortion access, and opposing voter ID laws, faced strong opposition from Schimel, a former attorney general from Waukesha County. While officially a nonpartisan election, the contest became a proxy battle between national political forces.

President Donald Trump endorsed Schimel, and billionaire Elon Musk, a close Trump ally, personally contributed millions to his campaign. Meanwhile, Democrats, including former President Barack Obama and billionaire George Soros, backed Crawford.

Wisconsin saw record-breaking voter turnout, leading to ballot shortages in its largest city. The race became a referendum on Trump’s early months in office and Musk’s growing political influence, particularly through his controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk even visited Wisconsin days before the election, handing out $1 million checks to two voters in a highly publicized move.

Despite the high-profile backing and financial advantage of her opponent, Crawford emerged victorious, demonstrating strong Democratic enthusiasm in the state. The result is widely seen as a setback for Trump and his allies, particularly as they gear up for future electoral battles.

Crawford’s win solidifies the liberal bloc’s influence on Wisconsin’s highest court, potentially shaping key decisions on voting rights, labor laws, and social policies in the years to come. Her victory underscores the state’s role as a political battleground and signals the intensity of upcoming national elections.

Susan Crawford's legal career and background

Crawford’s career includes significant legal battles aimed at protecting union power and challenging voter ID laws. Before becoming a judge, she worked as an attorney specializing in civil rights and administrative law. Her legal expertise and commitment to social justice earned her widespread support from Democratic leaders and other social organizations.

Susan Crawford played a key role in representing public teacher unions in a legal battle against a Republican-backed law that severely restricted collective bargaining rights for teachers and most public employees.

The legislation, known as Act 10, was a signature policy of former Republican Governor Scott Walker and positioned Wisconsin at the forefront of the national debate over union rights. Last year, a Dane County judge ruled much of the law unconstitutional, and the case is now expected to reach the Wisconsin Supreme Court on appeal.

Beyond labor rights, Crawford also challenged a Republican-sponsored law requiring voters to present photo identification at the polls.

A native of Chippewa Falls, she earned her undergraduate degree from Lawrence University in Appleton in 1987 before completing her law degree at the University of Iowa College of Law in 1994. She currently resides in Madison with her husband and two children.