Trump’s Wisconsin Setback: Liberals Win Key Supreme Court Seat

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump encountered a political hurdle in Wisconsin, where liberal judge Susan Crawford secured a vital Supreme Court position despite receiving significant endorsements and financial backing from billionaire Elon Musk for her conservative rival.

Just two months into his campaign to reclaim the presidency, Trump claimed victories in two House races in Florida, reinforcing Republican dominance in that state.

However, in what was considered the first significant electoral test of his divisive presidency, Trump’s vigorous efforts to place a new Republican on the Wisconsin Supreme Court ended in disappointment. The liberal judge, Susan Crawford, emerged victorious over Trump-endorsed Brad Schimel, according to reports.

Trump had publicly supported the conservative candidate, branding Schimel a “Patriot”, while labeling Crawford as a “Radical Left Liberal” through his social media platforms.

In his characteristic fiery rhetoric, Trump accused Crawford of having a “history of letting child molesters and rapists off the hook,” claiming her victory would be a “DISASTER.”

‘Fate of Civilization’

Musk, known for his efforts to advance Trump’s radical agenda aimed at significantly reducing government functions, personally visited Wisconsin to rally support for Schimel.

“This is one of those surprising situations where what appears to be a small election could determine the fate of Western civilization,” Musk commented in a discussion on his social media platform, X, on Tuesday.

During his visit to the Midwest, Musk employed a tactic reminiscent of his efforts during Trump’s campaign against Democrat Kamala Harris in November—distributing cash to individuals who signed a petition opposing so-called “activist judges.”

Senator Bernie Sanders, a prominent figure on the left side of the Democratic Party, urged followers on X to “reject Musk and the oligarchy buying our elections.”

The outcome in Wisconsin is significant not only for assessing public sentiment but also for determining whether the state’s Supreme Court, which adjudicates critical issues including voting district boundaries, will lean left or right.

In Florida, two U.S. House seats were contested to fill vacancies in solid Republican districts left by Trump’s former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and failed Attorney General nominee Matt Gaetz.

On Tuesday evening, media outlets projected a win in Florida’s sixth district for Republican Randy Fine, prompting Trump to tweet, “Congratulations Randy, a great WIN against a massive CASH AVALANCHE.”

Shortly thereafter, media reports also confirmed the special election victory for Trump-endorsed Republican Jimmy Patronis in Florida’s first district.

Trump took credit for his party’s success in both heavily Republican districts, asserting on social media that “the Trump endorsement, as always, outweighed the Democrats’ forces of evil.”

After losing the presidency and both chambers of Congress to Trump in November, Democrats have been searching for a revival, hoping for strong showings in Florida and a win in Wisconsin to reignite their momentum.

In Florida, however, the Democrats faced defeats by significant double-digit margins in both special elections.

High Stakes, Big Spending

The Wisconsin election has become the most expensive in U.S. judicial history, highlighting its significance. A large portion of this expenditure has gone towards advertising and mobilization efforts, particularly spearheaded by Musk.

Musk, who invested around $277 million in Trump’s 2024 campaign, gave $1 million checks to two voters and $100 to others who signed his petition.

The Brennan Center for Justice reports that over $53.3 million has been spent by Schimel and his supporters, including $12.2 million from Musk’s America PAC, while Crawford’s campaign totaled approximately $45.1 million.

This influx of funds has made the Wisconsin race unprecedentedly costly. Musk’s rally in Green Bay saw an enthusiastic audience, though his involvement has sparked considerable backlash alongside support.

At a pro-Crawford event, 65-year-old retired electrical engineer Rob Patterson displayed a sign depicting Musk performing a straight-arm salute, stating, “Our Supreme Court is not for sale.”