Wisconsin Beat the Billionaire”: Elon Musk’s Political Gamble Backfires in State Supreme Court Race
In a seismic political moment with far-reaching implications, liberal candidate Susan Crawford defeated Elon Musk-backed conservative Brad Schimel in a high-stakes Wisconsin Supreme Court race, delivering a decisive 10-point victory that Democrats are touting as a national referendum on both Donald Trump and Musk himself. The result not only sustains a 4–3 liberal majority on Wisconsin’s highest court but has also triggered a wave of celebration among Democrats and a deep reckoning within the GOP. Musk, who reportedly poured $25 million into the race, has become a lightning rod in American politics, evolving from an admired tech innovator to a polarizing billionaire megadonor and government advisor under Trump’s second term.
A Stunning Setback for Musk and the Trump Machine
Schimel’s loss is being interpreted as a stinging rejection of the growing influence of unelected billionaires in American democracy. Despite the backing of Trump and an unprecedented infusion of cash from Musk, Wisconsin voters delivered a resounding “no” to the alliance. Crawford, a former attorney for Planned Parenthood and a longtime advocate for reproductive rights, framed her victory in personal terms: “As a little girl, I never could have imagined that I’d be taking on the richest man in the world for justice in Wisconsin. And we won,” she told a jubilant crowd in Milwaukee on Tuesday night. The seat’s importance was no secret. With the court expected to weigh in on both abortion rights and redistricting lawsuits, the implications of the vote stretch far beyond Wisconsin, potentially reshaping battleground maps and influencing future elections.
The Musk Factor: From Tech Hero to Political Villain
Elon Musk’s political role has become a flashpoint in American discourse. Once celebrated for advancing electric vehicles and private space exploration, Musk’s image has shifted sharply as he embraced Trump-style politics, slashed federal departments, and adopted a combative persona on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Democrats seized the moment with mocking memes and sharp commentary. Their official X account posted an image of Musk wearing a cheesehead—the symbolic headwear of Wisconsin sports fans—labeled simply: “Loser.” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Musk an “unelected, unpopular, unhinged, and un-American billionaire puppet master,” urging Republicans to cut ties with him. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed the sentiment, saying: “Our democracy is not for sale.” Even some Republicans questioned whether Musk’s outsized presence hurt more than helped. Pam Van Handel, a GOP chair in Outagamie County, admitted: “I thought he was gonna be an asset for this race. People love Trump, but maybe they don’t love everybody he supports.”
Cracks in the Republican Strategy
Though the GOP notched two special election wins in Florida to fill seats vacated by Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz, the margins were underwhelming. Trump-endorsed candidates Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine won their races—but by roughly half the margins Trump carried those districts in 2024. Democrats argue these results show clear momentum in their direction heading into the 2026 midterms. “This was supposed to be Trump’s ‘liberation day,’” said Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), referencing Trump’s rollout of new trade tariffs. “Instead, it turned into Musk’s humiliation day.”
Musk’s Role Under Review
In a development that could mark a turning point, reports from Politico and ABC News suggest that Musk’s role as a top advisor to Trump—overseeing federal workforce reductions and deregulation—may be nearing an end. Sources close to Trump’s inner circle say discussions are underway to sideline Musk quietly after the Wisconsin fallout. Neither Musk nor Trump addressed Crawford’s victory directly. Trump instead highlighted the passage of a Wisconsin ballot measure requiring photo ID to vote, another wedge issue for 2026. But behind closed doors, allies are reportedly questioning whether Musk’s megadonor status and media antics are alienating key swing voters.
A Political Earthquake with National Ripples
Susan Crawford’s victory is about more than one state court seat—it signals growing resistance to billionaire overreach in politics and a rejection of the belief that money alone can buy influence. The loss also raises questions about the long-term viability of the Trump-Musk axis as the GOP prepares for a critical midterm test. For Democrats, the result is a shot of adrenaline—and a rare chance to go on offense in a polarized political landscape. As Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) put it bluntly: “Where else does Elon want to try and buy an election?”
