April 1, 2025 – Madison, WI – The Wisconsin election results for 2025 have delivered a resounding outcome in one of the most closely watched judicial races in the nation. Today, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Susan Crawford emerged victorious in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, defeating Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Brad Schimel in a contest that shattered spending records and captured national attention. With election results today confirming Crawford’s win, liberals will maintain their 4-3 majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, a pivotal outcome with far-reaching implications for the state’s judicial landscape.
This blog post dives deep into the Wisconsin election results 2025, exploring the dynamics of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race results, the candidates’ campaigns, the role of high-profile figures like Elon Musk, and the significance of this election for Wisconsin and beyond. From polls close Wisconsin at 8 p.m. CDT to the final tally, here’s everything you need to know about this historic event.
A Record-Breaking Race for the Wisconsin Supreme Court
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election 2025 was no ordinary contest. Described by the Associated Press (AP) as the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, the race saw over $90 million in spending, surpassing the previous record set in 2023. This financial frenzy underscored the stakes: control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, a body poised to rule on critical issues like abortion rights, voting regulations, and congressional redistricting.
On April 1, 2025, Wisconsin voters turned out in record numbers for a spring election, with turnout estimated at over 2.4 million—nearly 40% higher than the 2023 WI Supreme Court election. The election results Wisconsin reflected a deeply divided electorate, yet one united by the significance of the moment. As polls closed in Wisconsin at 8 p.m., the counting began, and by late evening, the Associated Press projected Susan Crawford as the winner.
Susan Crawford vs. Brad Schimel: The Candidates
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race pitted two seasoned jurists against each other: Susan Crawford and Brad Schimel. While officially nonpartisan, the race was a proxy battle between liberal and conservative ideologies, with Crawford backed by Democrats and Schimel supported by Republicans.
Who Is Susan Crawford?
Susan Crawford Wisconsin is a Dane County Circuit Court judge elected in 2018. Before her judicial tenure, she served as an assistant attorney general and chief legal counsel to former Governor Jim Doyle, a Democrat. Known for her progressive stance, Crawford has championed reproductive rights and union power, notably representing Planned Parenthood in legal battles. Her campaign emphasized fairness, democracy, and judicial independence, resonating with voters concerned about external influence in the WI Supreme Court.
Crawford’s victory ensures that the liberal majority, secured in 2023 with Justice Janet Protasiewicz’s win, remains intact. The question, “Is Susan Crawford a Democrat or Republican?” is often asked, and while the election is nonpartisan, her endorsements from figures like former President Barack Obama and the Democratic Party of Wisconsin align her firmly with liberal values.
Who Is Brad Schimel?
Brad Schimel, a Waukesha County Circuit Court judge and former Wisconsin Attorney General (2015–2019), ran as the conservative candidate. Schimel built his career as a tough-on-crime prosecutor, serving as Waukesha County District Attorney before his statewide role. His campaign focused on law and order, aligning with President Donald Trump’s agenda, who endorsed him in the race’s final days.
Schimel’s bid was bolstered by significant financial support from Elon Musk, whose political groups poured over $20 million into the race. Despite this backing, Schimel Wisconsin fell short, conceding defeat on April 1, 2025, in Pewaukee, as reported by AP News.
The Campaign: Polls, Money, and Musk
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race polls painted a picture of a neck-and-neck contest. Early surveys, like the TIPP Insights poll in February, showed a dead heat, with both candidates at 38%. However, as the race progressed, Susan Crawford polls indicated a slight edge. An AtlasIntel poll from March 27–31 gave Crawford 53% to Schimel’s 46%, while a Trafalgar Group survey showed her leading 51% to 49%.
The Role of Elon Musk
No discussion of the Wisconsin Supreme Court election results is complete without addressing Elon Musk Wisconsin. The billionaire tech mogul, a key Trump ally, made the race a personal crusade. His groups, including America PAC, spent millions on ads linking Schimel to Trump’s agenda, with mailers warning that “Liberal Susan Crawford will stop President Trump’s agenda.” Musk even visited Green Bay on March 30, handing out $1 million checks to voters as “spokespeople” for his cause, a move criticized by Democrats as an attempt to buy the election.
Crawford’s campaign countered by framing Musk’s involvement as an assault on democracy. Billboards reading “Don’t let Elon buy the Supreme Court” dotted the state, and Crawford dubbed Schimel “Elon Schimel” in debates. The Wisconsin Supreme Court Musk narrative became a rallying cry, galvanizing voters who rejected outside influence.
Spending and Turnout
The Wisconsin election polls predicted high engagement, and they were right. Early voting surged 57% compared to 2023, with Milwaukee County reporting a 40% increase and Republican-leaning Waukesha County up 62%. The Brennan Center for Justice reported that Schimel’s side spent over $49 million, while Crawford’s camp invested $40 million, dwarfing the $56 million spent in 2023.
Election Day: Results Unfold
On April 1, 2025, Wisconsin polls close at 8 p.m. CDT, marking the end of voting in the Wisconsin election today. Initial WI election results today trickled in, showing a tight race. By 9:15 p.m. ET, some X posts claimed Schimel led with 59.9% to Crawford’s 40.1%, but these early figures were unverified and quickly overtaken by official counts.
As Wisconsin voting results rolled in, Milwaukee and Dane Counties—Democratic strongholds—reported heavy turnout, while the “WOW” counties (Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington) showed strong Republican support. By 11 p.m. ET, with 90.7% of votes counted, AP election results projected Crawford’s win, a lead too large for a recount to overturn.
Who Won the Wisconsin Supreme Court Election?
Susan Crawford results confirmed her as the victor, securing a 10-year term on the Supreme Court Wisconsin. The Associated Press reported Crawford leading Schimel 55% to 44% with 70% of votes in—a margin of roughly 189,000 votes. Fox News election results and WKOW echoed this outcome, cementing Crawford Wisconsin Supreme Court as the newest justice.
Why Is the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race So Important?
The Supreme Court election mattered for several reasons. First, it determined the ideological balance of the Wisconsin State Supreme Court. Liberals have held a 4-3 edge since 2023, and Crawford’s win ensures this continues until at least 2028. A Schimel victory would have flipped the court to a conservative majority, potentially altering rulings on key issues.
Second, the Wisconsin race was a bellwether for national sentiment. As the first major election since Trump’s 2024 return to the White House, it tested voter reactions to his administration and Musk’s influence. Crawford’s triumph suggests a rejection of their agenda in this swing state.
Finally, the court faces landmark cases. A pending decision on Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban could shape reproductive rights, while redistricting battles may affect congressional maps. The Wisconsin Supreme Court justices will also weigh voting rules, making this election a linchpin for democracy.
County-by-County Breakdown
The Wisconsin election results by county revealed regional divides. Dane County election results favored Crawford heavily, reflecting Madison’s liberal leanings. Milwaukee County mirrored this trend, boosting her totals. Conversely, Waukesha County backed Schimel, consistent with its conservative bent.
The Wisconsin voting data showed Crawford’s strength in urban areas and Schimel’s in suburban and rural regions. This urban-rural split, a hallmark of Wisconsin elections, underscored the state’s political polarization.
Reactions and Implications
Crawford’s supporters celebrated in Madison, with retiring Justice Ann Walsh Bradley praising her successor. “Susan Crawford’s victory is a win for freedom and democracy,” the Democratic Party of Wisconsin declared. Meanwhile, Schimel conceded gracefully, performing with his band “4 on the Floor” at his election night event.
Critics of Musk, like Everytown for Gun Safety, hailed the result as a rebuke of “oligarchs” meddling in elections. The Wisconsin news cycle buzzed with analysis, with outlets like APNews noting the race’s national resonance.
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For Wisconsin special elections and future WI elections 2025, this outcome sets a precedent. It signals robust voter engagement and the limits of external financial influence, even from figures like Elon.
Other Races and Referendums
Beyond the WI Supreme Court election results, voters decided the state superintendent race. Incumbent Jill Underly, backed by Democrats, defeated Brittany Kinser, a Republican-supported challenger. A referendum to enshrine voter ID in the state constitution also passed, reinforcing existing law.
Looking Ahead
The results of Wisconsin Supreme Court election mark a turning point. With Susan Crawford election results solidifying liberal control, the court’s next term will tackle divisive issues. For Wisconsin judge election watchers, the question “Who won in Wisconsin today?” has a clear answer: Crawford vs. Schimel ended with Crawford on top.
As Wisconsin election supreme court debates fade, the focus shifts to governance. The Supreme Court Wisconsin election may be over, but its echoes will shape the state—and the nation—for years.
New York Times – Comprehensive election coverage.
Associated Press – Official projections and analysis.
PBS News – In-depth reporting on the Supreme Court race.
NBC News – Live updates and projections.
Wisconsin Elections Commission – Official voting data.
FAQ
Who won the Wisconsin Supreme Court election in 2025?
Susan Crawford won the Wisconsin Supreme Court election 2025, defeating Brad Schimel, as projected by the Associated Press.
Why is the Wisconsin Supreme Court race so important?
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race determines the court’s ideological balance, impacting rulings on abortion, voting, and redistricting, as noted by PBS News.
What role did Elon Musk play in the Wisconsin election?
Elon Musk Wisconsin spent over $20 million supporting Schimel, making the race a test of external influence, per AP News.
When do polls close in Wisconsin?
Polls close Wisconsin at 8 p.m. CDT on election day, April 1, 2025, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission.
Where can I find live Wisconsin election results?
Live Wisconsin election results are available from outlets like WISN and AP election results.
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