Madison, WI, April 2, 2025 – In a closely watched judicial race, Judge Susan Crawford secured a significant victory for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, defeating conservative opponent Judge Michael Hansen, who was backed by billionaire Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump. This election result marks a crucial shift in the ideological balance of the state’s highest court.
A Victory for the Liberal Wing
Judge Susan Crawford, a longtime advocate for progressive judicial reform, celebrated her victory, stating, “I never could have imagined that I would be taking on the richest man in the world for justice in Wisconsin.” Her campaign focused on issues such as voting rights, reproductive freedom, and judicial independence, themes that resonated with Wisconsin voters.
🔹 Election Outcome: Crawford won with 52.7% of the vote, securing a clear lead over Hansen’s 47.3%.
🔹 Voter Turnout: The race saw a record 1.8 million ballots cast, reflecting the high stakes involved.
🔹 Key Issues: The election was widely viewed as a referendum on abortion rights, redistricting, and election integrity.
Wisconsin Election Commission Results
Musk and Trump’s Influence in the Race
Judge Michael Hansen’s campaign gained national attention due to endorsements from Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Musk, who has become increasingly vocal in political matters, contributed millions in funding through independent political action committees, citing concerns over judicial overreach and business regulations.
📢 Elon Musk tweeted on election night: “The judiciary should focus on fairness, not activism. Wisconsin made a mistake.”
📢 Donald Trump’s response: “Another rigged election? We must take back our courts!”
Despite these endorsements, Hansen failed to gain enough support to flip the seat, reinforcing Wisconsin’s recent trend toward liberal-leaning judicial decisions.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Judicial Profiles
Implications for Wisconsin’s Legal Landscape
Judge Crawford’s victory cements a 5-2 liberal majority in the Wisconsin Supreme Court, a shift that could have far-reaching legal consequences, including:
✅ Abortion Rights: The court is expected to rule on Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban, which could be overturned.
✅ Redistricting Cases: Challenges to Republican-drawn legislative maps may lead to fairer districting.
✅ Election Laws: Future rulings on voter ID laws and election procedures could impact the 2026 gubernatorial race.
📌 Legal expert Dr. Amanda Reese stated: “This election ensures that the Wisconsin Supreme Court remains a firewall against extreme conservative legal challenges.”
What’s Next?
With her victory, Judge Susan Crawford is expected to take her seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court later this year. The ruling majority could shape the state’s legal future for at least the next decade.
📌 Upcoming Key Cases:
- Challenges to gerrymandered electoral maps
- Disputes over gun control laws
- Environmental regulations affecting Wisconsin’s waterways
📢 Judge Crawford’s closing statement: “Tonight, Wisconsin chose fairness, justice, and democracy. The fight for an independent judiciary continues.”
Stay tuned for further updates on this historic judicial shift in Wisconsin.
