Were Wisconsin, Florida elections referendum on Trump, Musk? And what they mean for the 2026 midterms
Democrats in Milwaukee, Wisconsin are celebrating a significant victory in a closely watched and highly expensive election in battleground Wisconsin. In a surprising turn of events, liberal-leaning Judge Susan Crawford managed to secure a win over conservative-leaning Judge Brad Schimel by a margin of approximately ten points, solidifying the liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
The outcome of this election holds immense importance as the Wisconsin Supreme Court is likely to play a crucial role in decisions pertaining to issues such as congressional redistricting, voting and labor rights, and abortion. The race, which garnered national attention and became the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, also served as a referendum on President Donald Trump’s policies and actions since taking office for the second time.
One of the key figures in the election was billionaire Elon Musk, a top donor and advisor to the President. Musk’s significant financial contributions to support Schimel raised eyebrows and drew criticism from Democrats. However, Crawford’s victory was seen as a rejection of Musk’s influence, as well as that of Trump and other billionaire special interests.
The Democratic National Committee hailed the results as a triumph and a sign of what’s to come in the 2026 midterm elections. Meanwhile, Republicans managed to secure victories in two congressional special elections in red state Florida, maintaining their majority in the House of Representatives.
Despite the losses in Florida, Democrats viewed their performance as a positive sign of energy and enthusiasm within the party. The results in Wisconsin and Florida are expected to energize Democrats as they continue to challenge Musk and his influence in politics.
In her victory speech, Crawford emphasized the importance of standing up against powerful interests and fighting for justice. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed this sentiment, highlighting the message sent by Wisconsin voters that democracy cannot be bought.
However, Democrats are facing challenges with declining favorability ratings and dissatisfaction among party activists over their inability to counter President Trump’s agenda. With upcoming elections on the horizon, Democrats will need to regroup and refocus their efforts to present a clear vision and agenda for the future.
In the end, while Democrats celebrated a significant victory in Wisconsin, Republicans remain a formidable force in national politics. Special elections, though indicative of party energy, may not always accurately predict future outcomes. Moving forward, both parties will need to strategize and adapt to the ever-changing political landscape to secure success in future elections.
