The Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 1, 2025, is tightening as Judge Susan Crawford and Judge Brad Schimel battle for the seat, with recent polling showing a shift in momentum and national attention ramping up.
What to Know:
As the April 1, 2025, Wisconsin Supreme Court election draws near, the race between Judge Susan Crawford and Judge Brad Schimel is tightening, with recent polling showing a shift in momentum.
A Tyson Group poll conducted on March 17–18 among 600 likely voters shows Crawford holding a 5-point lead over Schimel, with 48% supporting Crawford and 43% backing Schimel. Notably, 9% of respondents remain undecided, leaving room for last-minute shifts.
This is a significant change from earlier polling this month. A March 3–6 Tyson Group survey showed Crawford with a 13-point advantage (48% to 35%), suggesting Schimel has gained traction as the campaign has progressed.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 1, 2025, has captured national attention, drawing record-breaking expenditures and sparking heated debates. As the race between Judge Susan Crawford and Judge Brad Schimel tightens, recent polling reveals how critical the final days of the campaign are likely to be. Beyond the numbers, the stakes for Wisconsin's judicial future couldn't be higher.
Despite the unprecedented campaign effort, voter familiarity with the candidates remains shockingly low. Political analysts estimate that spending will exceed $100 million, making this one of the most expensive Supreme Court elections in state history. Yet, for all the advertising dollars poured into the race, many voters remain in the dark about who these candidates are and what they stand for.
A Marquette Law School Poll conducted from February 19–26 highlights this disconnect, showing that 38% of registered voters lack an opinion on Judge Schimel, while an even larger 58% are unfamiliar with Judge Crawford. This lack of awareness, despite intense media coverage and aggressive campaigning, points to a deeper issue in Wisconsin’s electoral landscape: a campaign that’s making more noise than connection.
It's not just the money that’s raising eyebrows; it's how it’s being spent. Much of the ad blitz has been focused on attack ads and sensational messaging rather than educating voters on the judicial philosophies and records of the candidates. This leaves the electorate more polarized and confused than informed.
In a race that has drawn in both local and national players, endorsements have become an influential force. President Donald Trump recently made headlines by endorsing Judge Schimel on March 22, 2025, calling on his conservative base to unite and vote. Trump's endorsement signals that the stakes extend beyond Wisconsin’s borders, as Republicans seek to secure conservative dominance in the judiciary.
The Trump endorsement, however, has not gone unchallenged. Judge Crawford has garnered strong backing from Democratic donors, most notably receiving a $1 million contribution from billionaire philanthropist George Soros. This influx of funding shows the Democratic Party’s recognition of the significance of this race. A conservative victory would threaten key progressive priorities, including abortion, redistricting, and election integrity.
The contrast between endorsements highlights the broader ideological clash playing out on the judicial battlefield. Trump’s influence attempts to solidify conservative control, while Soros’s backing seeks to bolster a liberal judicial agenda. The question on many voters' minds is whether Trump’s endorsement will energize his base or alienate moderate voters who view the judiciary as a nonpartisan institution.
With the race tightening and 9% of voters still undecided, the final push to the finish line will be pivotal. Both campaigns are scrambling to lock down support and sway the remaining fence-sitters. As voters weigh their choices, the core issues of abortion rights, legislative redistricting, and election laws loom large.
The outcome of this election will not only shape Wisconsin’s legal landscape but could also signal the nation’s broader political trajectory heading into 2028. As the battle lines are drawn and both sides rally their forces, Wisconsin voters will ultimately decide which vision for the judiciary will prevail.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the final weeks of the campaign will be crucial. Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this race and bring you the latest developments.