Wisconsin, Florida elections get spin treatment as Dems, GOP look ahead to 2026

In a surprising turn of events, Democrats in Wisconsin are celebrating a major victory in a high-stakes election that has captured national attention. Judge Susan Crawford, a liberal-leaning candidate, emerged victorious over conservative-leaning Judge Brad Schimel by a significant margin, securing the liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

The election, which became the most expensive judicial race in the nation’s history, turned into a battleground that showcased the influence of outside money and the divisive political climate under President Donald Trump’s administration. With key issues like congressional redistricting, voting rights, labor rights, and abortion at stake, the outcome of this election will have far-reaching implications for the state.

One of the key players in this election was billionaire Elon Musk, a top donor and White House adviser to President Trump. Musk’s substantial financial backing of Schimel raised eyebrows and drew criticism from Democrats, who viewed it as an attempt to influence the outcome of the race. However, Crawford’s victory was seen as a rejection of Musk’s interference in the electoral process.

While Democrats are celebrating their win in Wisconsin, Republicans managed to hold onto two vacant congressional seats in Florida in twin special elections. Despite being vastly outspent by their Democratic counterparts, the Republican candidates secured comfortable victories in districts that Trump had won decisively in the previous presidential election.

The results of these elections have sparked a debate within both parties about the future direction of their respective agendas. Democrats, who have faced declining approval ratings and internal divisions, are looking to regroup and reenergize their base ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Meanwhile, Republicans are touting their success in maintaining control of key seats as a sign of voter support for Trump’s America First agenda.

As the dust settles on these elections, both parties are taking stock of their strengths and weaknesses. While Democrats celebrate a significant win in Wisconsin, Republicans are buoyed by their victories in Florida. The political landscape remains fluid, with both parties gearing up for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the coming months.