Donald Trump faced a political setback in Wisconsin on Tuesday as voters elected a liberal judge to the state’s Supreme Court, despite significant financial backing from his close ally, Elon Musk. This defeat marked a challenge to Trump’s efforts to solidify conservative control in key battleground states.
While Trump celebrated victories in two Florida House races that kept Republican seats intact, the Wisconsin election was seen as a major test of his influence. His endorsed candidate, conservative judge Brad Schimel, lost to liberal judge Susan Crawford, as reported by U.S. media.
Trump had actively campaigned for Schimel, calling him a “Patriot” while labeling Crawford as a “Radical Left Liberal.” On social media, Trump further accused Crawford of having a “History of letting child molesters and rapists off” and warned that her victory would be a “DISASTER.”
Musk’s Involvement and High Stakes
Musk, a major supporter of Trump’s administration and his aggressive cost-cutting measures, personally traveled to Wisconsin to rally for Schimel. He emphasized the significance of the election, stating on his social media platform X, “It’s like one of those strange situations where a seemingly small election would determine the fate of Western civilization here.”
Over the weekend, Musk replicated a strategy he had used to boost Trump’s campaign against Democrat Kamala Harris—offering financial incentives to those who signed petitions against what he called “activist judges.” His involvement drew strong opposition from Democratic figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders, who urged voters on X to “REJECT Musk and the oligarchy buying our elections.”
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race carried high stakes, as the court holds authority over key issues like voting district boundaries. The result tilted the court’s balance in favor of liberals, a shift that could have lasting legal and political consequences.
Republican Wins in Florida
Meanwhile, in Florida, two vacant seats in the U.S. House of Representatives were filled through special elections. These districts, historically strongholds for the Republican Party, saw victories for Trump-backed candidates.
Republican Randy Fine secured the seat in Florida’s sixth district, prompting Trump to post on social media, “Congratulations Randy, a great WIN against a massive CASH AVALANCHE.” Soon after, Jimmy Patronis won the race in Florida’s first district, with Trump taking credit for the victories, stating that “the Trump endorsement, as always, proved far greater than the Democrats’ forces of evil.”
Democrats, still reeling from their losses in the November elections where they failed to retain the presidency and both chambers of Congress, had hoped to make gains in Florida and claim victory in Wisconsin. However, their candidates in Florida were defeated by double-digit margins, reinforcing the Republican stronghold in the state.
Record-Breaking Campaign Spending
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race set new records for campaign spending, highlighting the enormous stakes involved. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, Schimel and his allies spent more than $53.3 million, with Musk’s America PAC contributing $12.2 million. In contrast, Crawford and her supporters spent approximately $45.1 million.
Musk played a significant role in financing the campaign, reportedly spending around $277 million on Trump’s 2024 presidential bid. During his rally in Green Bay, he handed out substantial financial incentives, including two checks of $1 million each to select voters and $100 to others who signed his petition.
Despite Musk’s efforts, his involvement sparked controversy and backlash. At a pro-Crawford rally, a 65-year-old retired electrical engineer, Rob Patterson, held a sign depicting Musk making a straight-armed salute with the message, “Our Supreme Court is not for sale.”
This election underscored the deep divisions in American politics, with both parties investing heavily in key races. While Trump and Musk continue their aggressive push to shape the judiciary and electoral landscape, Wisconsin voters delivered a strong rebuke to their efforts, shifting the balance of the state’s highest court.