Wisconsin Election Results 2025: Historic Supreme Court Race Shakes Political Landscape
Wisconsin's 2025 Spring Election has captivated national attention, and for good reason. Voters delivered their verdict on April 1, and as unofficial results pour in, the state finds itself at the heart of a deeply divisive—and wildly expensive—judicial showdown. With ramifications that stretch far beyond state lines, the race is redefining how Americans perceive judicial influence, campaign spending, and grassroots activism.
Detailed Results and Why It Matters
The centerpiece of the April 1 election was the Wisconsin Supreme Court race pitting liberal candidate Susan Crawford against conservative former Attorney General Brad Schimel. The contest became the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history, blowing past the previous record set by Wisconsin's 2023 court election. Billionaire donors, including Elon Musk, funneled massive contributions into the race, transforming it into a proxy war over some of America’s most contentious issues—abortion rights, redistricting, and election integrity.
Just one day after the election, on April 2, unofficial results began streaming in from county clerks. This rapid release of data set off a firestorm of online dialogue and brought immediate reactions from both sides of the aisle as the future of Wisconsin’s highest court hangs in the balance.
Timeline of the Election
- February 18, 2025: Primary elections were held to narrow the field.
- March 18–30: Early voting took place across Wisconsin.
- April 1: Voters cast their ballots in the general election.
- April 2: Unofficial election results were made public.
Online Reactions
💬 "Crawford win = huge for reproductive rights. Schimel literally tried to overturn elections before" – Reddit user
💬 "LIB JUDICIAL ACTIVISTS buying this seat with coastal elite money" – Conservative Twitter
💬 "Musk trying to buy courts shows why we NEED campaign finance reform" – Progressive X post
Backdrop to High Stakes and Heavy Spending
Beyond just the high price tag, this judicial election threatens to reshape the Wisconsin Supreme Court for years to come. The court is expected to rule on crucial cases, including the state’s abortion ban and potential disputes in the 2026 gubernatorial election. Control of the Supreme Court is often overlooked, but in Wisconsin, its rulings can directly impact gerrymandering, voter ID laws, and key civil liberties.
The stakes are underscored by the nature of support for each candidate. Susan Crawford, a Dane County judge, was backed heavily by progressive organizations intent on preserving abortion access and voting rights. Brad Schimel, a former state attorney general, drew support from conservative groups focused on judicial restraint and traditional values.
What Experts Are Saying
PBS Wisconsin summed up the climate succinctly with the statement:
“Massive campaign donations and national-level involvement culminating in million-dollar giveaways by billionaire oligarch Elon Musk has dominated the contest.”
Another analysis remarked:
“Their political ideologies... make for a quintessential Wisconsin political showdown.”
Official Resources and Media Coverage
To follow certified updates, visit the official Wisconsin Election Results Portal:
Media Broadcasts
- PBS Wisconsin’s election night livestream (archived video)
- National coverage from CNN (link pending)
Conclusion
✔️ A crucial judicial seat may reshape rights for millions
✔️ Historic spending has awakened debates about democracy and money in politics
