Wisconsin Supreme Court Race: A Referendum on Trump and Musk?

The Wisconsin Supreme Court race has drawn national attention as a potential gauge of voter sentiment. Liberal-leaning Judge Susan Crawford defeated conservative-leaning Judge Brad Schimel, maintaining a liberal majority on the court. This victory is particularly significant as the court is expected to rule on important issues like redistricting and abortion rights.

The race became the most expensive judicial election in history, with significant funding from both Democratic and Republican aligned groups. Democrats are highlighting the win as a rejection of Trump and Musk, who invested heavily in the Republican candidate. DNC Chair Ken Martin stated that the election showed a rejection of billionaire special interests.

Meanwhile, in Florida, Republicans successfully defended two congressional seats in special elections. These victories provide the GOP with a slightly larger margin in the House, bolstering their ability to advance President Trump's agenda. Republicans are emphasizing these wins as a sign that voters support their policies.

Despite Republican wins in Florida, Democrats point to their overperformance in those races as a sign of growing enthusiasm among their base. The House Majority PAC highlighted these results as evidence of favorable political winds heading into the 2026 midterms. However, Republicans dismiss these claims, arguing that the Democratic spending in Florida was a waste of resources.

Political strategists on both sides are cautioning against drawing definitive conclusions from these special elections. They emphasize the unique nature of these contests and the importance of individual candidates. The results in Wisconsin and Florida offer a glimpse into the current political landscape, but the broader picture for the 2026 midterms remains complex.