Green Bay, Wis.— With just three weeks left until Election Day, Wisconsin finds itself at the center of a fervent judicial battle that will determine the ideological balance of its Supreme Court. This contest for an open seat, following Justice Ann Walsh Bradley’s retirement, has gained national attention and is poised to become one of the most costly judicial elections in the country’s history.
Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, supported by Democrats, and Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel, backed by Republicans, are the key contenders in this critical race. More than $33 million has already been infused into the campaigns, and analysts project that spending could exceed the record $56 million spent in last year’s Wisconsin judicial election.
The implications of this election extend beyond the composition of the court; it is also set to influence key rulings on state laws, including the controversial ACT 10, which limits collective bargaining rights for public workers. This law’s fate could potentially be shaped by the election’s outcome, especially since Justice Brian Hagedorn has recused himself from related proceedings due to his prior involvement in drafting the legislation.
Judge Crawford, a seasoned former prosecutor and advocate for organizations such as Planned Parenthood, has emphasized her commitment to use the law to protect Wisconsin citizens. “I have devoted my career to leveraging our laws and Constitution to safeguard the people in Wisconsin, and I intend to continue that mission on the Supreme Court,” Crawford stated.
However, the race has also spotlighted contentious issues between the candidates, such as the handling of sexual assault kit testing. Crawford has criticized Schimel, the former State Attorney General, for his slow response in testing the kits during his tenure. According to Crawford, “In two years, only nine kits were DNA tested out of a backlog of six thousand. This speaks volumes about his priorities.”
The Schimel campaign has retaliated by accusing Crawford of politically motivated meetings with Democratic donors, purportedly aimed at influencing congressional redistricting, a charge Crawford denies. “I have never expressed any stance on the Congressional maps, either publicly or privately,” she asserted.
Spending and fundraising have also played significant roles in this high-stakes race. Both candidates have garnered substantial donations from notable figures, with Elon Musk contributing to Schimel’s campaign and George Soros backing Crawford.
As Election Day approaches, the outcome of this race not only will determine the future direction of Wisconsin’s highest court but also reflect broader national debates over the role of judiciary in state politics.
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