Susan Crawford Wins Wisconsin Supreme Court Seat in Pivotal 2025 Race

Susan Crawford, a long-serving judge and legal advocate, has officially won the 2025 election to join the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Her victory maintains the court’s current 4–3 liberal majority, but her background and legal history signal a strong stance on union protections, abortion access, and voting rights. Here’s a breakdown of who she is, what she’s known for, and what her win means for the future of the state’s highest court.

Background: Legal Career Rooted in Madison

Susan Crawford, 60, has served as a Dane County Circuit Court judge since 2018. She was re-elected in 2022 and has built a reputation as a strong advocate for progressive legal issues.

Before becoming a judge, Crawford held roles in:

The Wisconsin and Iowa Departments of Justice
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Governor Jim Doyle’s administration as legal counsel

After 2011, she entered private practice in Madison and represented clients in high-profile constitutional and civil rights cases.

Legal Advocacy: Reproductive Rights and Union Protections

Abortion Access

Crawford represented Planned Parenthood in key lawsuits challenging Wisconsin’s abortion restrictions. She has also publicly opposed the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade.

Two separate lawsuits challenging Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban are currently before the state Supreme Court. Crawford’s presence on the bench is seen as a potential boost for those hoping to overturn or narrow the ban.

Union Rights

Crawford also played a leading role in challenging Act 10, the controversial 2011 law that curtailed collective bargaining for most public employees.

In 2023, a Dane County judge declared much of the law unconstitutional—a ruling opponents plan to appeal to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, where Crawford will now help decide its future.

Voter Rights and Civil Liberties

Crawford opposed legislation that required photo ID for voting, arguing it disproportionately affects marginalized voters. Her record suggests continued advocacy for accessible voting laws and individual civil rights on the court.

Political Context: A High-Stakes, High-Spending Race

Crawford defeated conservative candidate Brad Schimel in a race that became the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history. The contest drew national attention due to tech billionaire Elon Musk’s financial backing of Schimel.

Crawford embraced the opposition, dubbing her opponent “Elon Schimel” and framing the campaign as “The People vs. Musk”. Her win was celebrated by progressive voters and judicial colleagues, including retiring Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, whom she replaces.

What Her Win Means for the Wisconsin Supreme Court

According to Alex Tahk, a political science professor at UW–Madison, Crawford’s win preserves the court’s liberal majority but does not shift its ideological balance. However, it could have lasting implications on key legal battles.

Key Cases Ahead:

Abortion rights: Two cases challenging the 1849 ban are pending. Crawford’s presence makes a full abortion ban less likely.
Act 10 appeal: The court is expected to review the recent decision striking down parts of the law.
Voter ID laws and other challenges: Future cases involving civil rights and state election laws may be shaped by her legal philosophy.

More Supreme Court Elections Coming

Wisconsin voters will see annual Supreme Court races through 2030. The seats up for election in 2026 and 2027 are held by conservatives, so Crawford’s win positions liberals to expand their majority if they continue to win.

A pivotal race that could shift court control won’t happen until 2028, when a liberal seat is next up for re-election.

Susan Crawford’s election ensures that the liberal bloc retains control of Wisconsin’s Supreme Court. With decades of legal experience and a strong record on abortion rights, union protections, and civil liberties, her influence will be central in shaping decisions on high-profile legal battles. While the balance of the court stays the same, the direction of key rulings could lean more decisively toward progressive legal interpretations in the years ahead.

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Background: Legal Career Rooted in Madison