DNC Chair Ken Martin on Judge Susan Crawford’s Victory in the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

Washington – Tonight, Judge Susan Crawford beat Elon Musk-backed Brad Schimel in a bellwether race that shows that the people of Wisconsin are already tired of the Musk-Trump agenda. Make no mistake: Americans don’t want Elon Musk running their federal government and they don’t want him buying their local elections.

Democrats have continued to overperform in special elections since November, and Americans of all stripes are coming together to protect Medicaid, defend Social Security, and fight for policies that help working families.

DNC Chair Ken Martin issued the following statement:

“Tonight, the people of Wisconsin squarely rejected the influence of Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and billionaire special interests. And their message? Stay out of our elections and stay away from our courts – Wisconsin is not for sale. The DNC congratulates Justice-elect Susan Crawford on her decisive victory in tonight’s Wisconsin Supreme Court election. This is why we organize everywhere – to protect people’s fundamental rights and freedoms, to stop the richest men in the world from buying the government, and to win elections that ultimately improve the lives of Americans. Democrats are overperforming, winning races, and building momentum. We’re working hard to continue the trend in the Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey elections this year and then – with the people on our side – to take back the House in 2026.”

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler issued the following statement:

“Susan Crawford’s victory over Brad Schimel, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump is a resounding message from voters that Wisconsin believes in freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, that they have had enough of MAGA extremism, and that Wisconsin is not for sale.”

“Democracy is alive and roaring in the Badger State. Tonight, Wisconsinites turned out at record levels to deliver a resounding, well-earned Supreme Court victory for a candidate who represents our state’s highest ideals. Wisconsin Democrats enthusiastically congratulate Justice-elect Susan Crawford and look forward to a ten-year term of jurisprudence marked by integrity, impartiality, and common sense.”

“This was a Susan-versus-Goliath struggle of Biblical proportions. Elon Musk made this race a referendum on himself. Schimel sought to make it a referendum on Donald Trump. Ultimately, voters chose between Schimel, Musk, and Trump on one side, and Susan Crawford, freedom, and democracy on the other. The voters’ verdict sends a resounding message: Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election demonstrates Musk and Trump have gone too far, and any politician allied with them could swiftly face the end of their political career.”

“We’re deeply grateful to Justice-elect Crawford for her leadership, bringing Wisconsin values to this fight for our freedoms and the rule of law. As a prosecutor, public servant, attorney in private practice, and circuit court judge, Justice-elect Crawford worked to keep our communities safe and uphold the law. As our next Supreme Court justice, Justice-elect Crawford will continue her lifetime of service to Wisconsin, protecting the basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to Wisconsinites under our constitution.

“This victory would not have been possible without the thousands of volunteers, activists, and organizers who worked their hearts out, often amidst ice and snow, to support Justice-elect Crawford and defend our democracy. To all those who went door to door, made phone calls, texted friends and family, chipped in, or put out a yard sign: thank you.

“Tonight, Democrats got up off the mat and fought back. The world’s richest man tried to buy Wisconsin’s democracy in order to corrupt Wisconsin’s judiciary, but Wisconsinites demonstrated that our state is not for sale. In a moment of national darkness, Wisconsin voters lit a candle. Let the lesson of Wisconsin’s election ring out across the country: hope is not lost, democracy can yet survive, and the voice of the American people will not be silenced.”

To support the efforts of the Wisconsin Democratic coordinated campaign:

• The DNC announced a historically-early investment into the Wisconsin Democratic coordinated campaign to help cover key expenses, allowing the coordinated campaign to make 2 million phone calls and deploy thousands of volunteers to aid Susan Crawford and Dr. Jill Underly.
• DNC Chair Ken Martin canvassed in Wisconsin three times before the election, including campaigning with Dr. Jill Underly.
• The DNC deployed full-page ads in newspapers across Wisconsin the weekend before the election to remind Wisconsin voters that Wisconsin is not for sale.
• In total, the DNC invested nearly $23 million into Wisconsin in the 2024 cycle.
• The DNC invests year-round in every state party, including the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, to help with operations, voter protection services, data resources, and tech support.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.