Election Day in Wisconsin, Florida: What to watch as conservatives face a statewide electoral test

The 2025 general election season is in full swing, with voters in Wisconsin and Florida heading to the polls for the first time since sending President Donald Trump back to the White House. In Wisconsin, a crucial state Supreme Court race is underway, while special elections are being held in two deep-red districts in Florida.

In Wisconsin, the state Supreme Court is up for grabs, with a 4-3 liberal-leaning majority at stake. The race to replace outgoing Justice Ann Walsh Bradley is between Dane County Judge Susan Crawford and Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel. Although officially nonpartisan, the candidates have received backing from their respective party establishments. Crawford has the support of Democrats and progressives, including an endorsement from former President Barack Obama, while Schimel has the backing of Republicans and conservatives, including Trump and Elon Musk.

The outcome of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race is crucial, as it will determine the direction of key court decisions on abortion, unions, and voting rights. With turnout and early voting numbers on the rise, the race remains competitive, with over 674,000 ballots already cast before Election Day.

Meanwhile, in Florida, special elections are being held in the 6th and 1st Congressional Districts. The 6th District, which includes Daytona Beach, sees Republican state Sen. Randy Fine facing off against Democrat Josh Weil. In the 1st District, Republican Jimmy Patronis and Democrat Gay Valimont are vying for the seat left vacant by Rep. Matt Gaetz. The outcomes of these races could impact the Republican majority in the U.S. House.

As the election results start rolling in, all eyes are on the key counties in both states that could determine the winners. In Wisconsin, the populous counties of Milwaukee and Dane are crucial for Democrats, while Republicans rely on strong showings in suburban areas like the WOW counties. In Florida, the performance in counties like Putnam and Escambia could swing the results in favor of either party.

With recounts possible in both states based on narrow margins, the final results may not be known for some time. Whether Democrats can secure a win in Wisconsin or Republicans maintain their stronghold in Florida, the outcomes of these elections will have far-reaching implications for the political landscape in both states and beyond. Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as the results come in.