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Liberal Crawford wins key Wisconsin Supreme Court seat in high-stakes election

Schustek wins Village of Iola president seat

Judge Susan Crawford

Liberal candidate Alex Crawford emerged victorious in Tuesday’s pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court race, defeating conservative opponent Brad Schimel in a contest that drew national attention. The Associated Press called the race at 10:16 p.m. Eastern, with Crawford securing 55.9% of the vote and 69% of precincts reporting. Schimel trailed with 44.1%.

This election was closely watched as the first major statewide contest following former President Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election. With the retirement of a liberal justice, the outcome determined control of Wisconsin’s highest court, which now leans liberal 4-3.

Crawford’s campaign gained strong support from prominent Democrats, including former President Barack Obama and major liberal donor George Soros. Meanwhile, Schimel was backed by Republican heavyweights such as Trump and Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency.

Local and statewide impact

Crawford’s victory solidifies a liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which is expected to rule on key issues such as abortion laws, education policies, and legislative redistricting. Analysts predict that the court could approve new congressional maps, potentially favoring Democrats and shifting two House seats in their favor.

Despite losing the statewide race, Schimel found strong local backing in conservative areas. In Waupaca County, he secured 12,331 votes to Crawford’s 7,705. In the Iola-Scandinavia region, Schimel won 1,335 votes to Crawford’s 820.

DPI Superintendent Race

In another key statewide contest, incumbent Jill Underly won a second term as Wisconsin’s state superintendent, defeating education consultant Brittany Kinser. Underly, backed by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, continued her advocacy for public school funding and teacher support.

Though Underly won statewide, Kinser found support in conservative-leaning regions, defeating Underly 1,213 to 814 in Iola-Scandinavia and 11,203 to 7,609 in Waupaca County.

Jennifer Schustek

Voter ID Referendum Approved

Wisconsin voters also approved a referendum to enshrine the state’s voter ID requirement into the state constitution. While Wisconsin law already mandates voter ID, the amendment ensures that future courts or legislators cannot easily overturn the requirement.

Village of Iola President Race

In a closely contested local election, incumbent Jennifer Schustek retained her position as Village of Iola president, defeating challenger Mike Richberg 279-207, securing 57% of the vote.