Susan Crawford’s Victory in Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Deals a Massive Blow to Musk and MAGA

In a stunning political turn, Susan Crawford has won the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, delivering a decisive blow to billionaire Elon Musk and the MAGA movement. The results mark a significant shift in the state’s judicial balance and raise questions about the effectiveness of big-money influence in local elections. Despite Musk’s efforts—including wearing a Cheesehead hat, spending over $20 million, paying petition signers and canvassers, organizing rallies, and even orchestrating million-dollar giveaways—Wisconsin voters rejected what many saw as an attempt to buy civil liberties.

A Costly Campaign That Failed to Sway Voters

Musk’s involvement in the race was unprecedented. Reports indicate that he poured millions into various initiatives to sway voters in favor of his preferred candidate. From extensive TV interviews to high-profile rallies, Musk deployed every tool available to shift the judicial balance in Wisconsin. But instead of winning over the electorate, his efforts may have backfired.

Wisconsinites, known for their independent streak, seemed unimpressed with Musk’s heavy-handed approach. The financial influence, rather than galvanizing support, appeared to spark resistance among voters who saw it as an oligarch attempting to interfere in their democracy. The rejection of Musk’s preferred candidate sends a strong message: Wisconsin voters will not be swayed by billionaire-funded campaigns.

Why Susan Crawford’s Victory Matters

Crawford’s win reshapes the Wisconsin Supreme Court, further solidifying a progressive majority. This has far-reaching implications, particularly on key legal battles concerning voting rights, gerrymandering, and reproductive freedom—issues that have been at the forefront of Wisconsin’s legal landscape.

Wisconsin has long been a battleground for voting rights, with Republican-led legislatures enacting laws that critics say suppress voter participation. The newly configured Supreme Court, with Crawford as a justice, could play a crucial role in overturning or modifying these laws. Additionally, given the conservative push to challenge election procedures in swing states, this result could have national implications leading into the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election.

Musk’s Growing Political Involvement—and Backlash

Elon Musk’s political involvement has expanded significantly in recent years, aligning himself with conservative and libertarian causes while vocally opposing progressive policies. From his criticisms of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to his embrace of culture war rhetoric, Musk has positioned himself as a champion for the anti-woke movement. His involvement in Wisconsin’s judicial race was seen as part of this broader political strategy.

However, the election results suggest that his influence may have limits. While Musk’s financial and media clout gives him an unmatched platform, voters in Wisconsin demonstrated that grassroots engagement and local concerns still outweigh billionaire-backed political maneuvering. The backlash against Musk’s involvement mirrors the growing skepticism toward corporate and tech moguls who attempt to shape political outcomes.

MAGA’s Setback in Wisconsin

Beyond Musk, Crawford’s victory represents a significant defeat for the MAGA movement. Wisconsin has been a key battleground state for Republicans, with Donald Trump narrowly winning it in 2016 and then losing it to Joe Biden in 2020. Conservative activists had hoped to shift the state’s judiciary further to the right, enabling favorable rulings on election disputes, redistricting, and social policies. Instead, the loss weakens MAGA-aligned efforts to challenge election results in 2026 and beyond.

Additionally, the result signals that Wisconsin voters are growing wary of hyper-partisan judicial candidates. The rejection of Musk’s candidate suggests a desire for a more balanced, independent judiciary rather than one swayed by political extremes.

The Role of Grassroots Mobilization

While Musk was spending millions, progressive organizations and grassroots activists were mobilizing on the ground. Door-to-door canvassing, voter education campaigns, and a strong digital strategy helped drive turnout for Crawford. Her campaign focused on judicial integrity, fair governance, and the protection of civil rights—an approach that resonated with Wisconsin voters.

This outcome reinforces the idea that while money can flood elections, it does not always determine the results. Grassroots efforts, community engagement, and trust in a candidate’s qualifications ultimately played a more significant role in shaping voter sentiment.

What Comes Next?

With Crawford now on the bench, the Wisconsin Supreme Court is expected to hear key cases that will shape the state’s legal landscape for years to come. The balance of power has shifted, creating new opportunities for legal challenges to restrictive voting laws, partisan gerrymandering, and reproductive rights restrictions.

For Musk and MAGA, the Wisconsin setback may prompt a reassessment of political strategy. The billionaire’s deep pockets and media influence may work in some arenas, but this election proved that state and local politics often function differently than high-profile national races. The message from Wisconsin voters is clear: democracy isn’t for sale.

As the dust settles, one thing remains certain—Wisconsin’s judicial elections have become a critical battleground, and the results will have ripple effects beyond state lines. Whether this victory emboldens progressives in other key races remains to be seen, but for now, Susan Crawford’s win is a testament to the power of grassroots democracy over billionaire influence.