Wisconsin Voters Stand Up: Rejecting Musk’s Money and Fearmongering Tactics
A Defiant Show of Democratic Spirit
WISCONSIN – In a significant overturn of the expectations set by big money and celebrity endorsements, Wisconsin voters made their voices clear by electing Judge Susan Crawford to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This decisive victory came despite Elon Musk pouring more than $25 million—about 20% of the total spending in the race—into his support for Republican candidate Brad Schimel.
The Power of People Over Money
Wisconsinites sent a resounding message: they are not swayed by Musk’s financial might or Schimel’s aggressive "tough on crime" narrative. Instead, they gravitated towards the Wisconsin Working Families Party’s compelling message that focused on community welfare and public safety. Its platform championed essential issues such as:
- Public Education
- Affordable Housing
- Accessible Healthcare
In contrast, voters embraced Crawford’s plan to tackle crime through community-focused solutions—getting illegal guns off the streets and providing greater access to mental health and addiction services.
A Court Set to Address Key Issues
With Crawford’s election, the Wisconsin State Supreme Court is poised to deliberate on pivotal lawsuits that address abortion rights, election laws, and gun rights. This reinforces the importance of having judges who prioritize community interests over political influence.
Breaking Down the Results: A Clear Choice for Voters
Corinne Rosen, the State Director of the Wisconsin Working Families Party, summed up the election’s implications: "Two favorite Republican tactics failed—unrestricted money and fearmongering. Brad Schimel and his supporters couldn’t buy this election, nor scare Wisconsinites into voting against their values." This victory highlights a crucial turning point where voters are beginning to recognize their power and its importance in shaping policies that matter to them.
Grassroots Efforts Make Waves in Wisconsin
In preparation for this election, the Wisconsin Working Families Party executed one of its largest field programs to date. Here are some remarkable numbers that underscore their commitment:
- Over 25,605 one-on-one conversations with voters
- 703 volunteers sent a staggering 36,868 personal postcards about the Supreme Court race
- A total of 661,330 outreach attempts, culminating in 44,841 contacts and identifying 15,408 voters to support Judge Crawford
Messaging Matters: A Lesson for Democrats Nationwide
Insha Rahman from Vera Action noted, "With millions spent attacking Susan Crawford as ‘soft on crime,’ the GOP effectively turned the Supreme Court race into a referendum on public safety." The election results speak volumes: real solutions—not fearmongering—drive votes. This campaign serves as an essential lesson for Democrats across the nation to stand firm in promoting effective policies rather than mimicking tired GOP narratives.
A Commitment to Community Engagement
John Drew, Chairperson of the UAW Wisconsin State CAP Council, highlighted the effectiveness of the party’s canvassing: "The Working Families Party’s canvassing events for Susan Crawford were not just impactful; they fostered meaningful conversations with voters in working-class neighborhoods in Milwaukee."
Lauren Baker, a retired Executive Director at the Milwaukee Teacher’s Educators Association, expressed the value of this grassroots effort, describing her canvassing experience as not just fulfilling, but an essential way to engage diverse working-class voters.
The Future of Musk’s Influence in Wisconsin: An Uncertain Landscape
Following this electoral setback, Musk’s ambitions to establish Tesla-owned dealerships in Wisconsin now face significant hurdles. Additionally, his commitment to fund Republican primary challengers against lawmakers standing up to the Trump administration’s attacks on workers and rights is under scrutiny.
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Wisconsin’s Political Landscape
The Wisconsin Working Families Party has played a pivotal role in elevating the voices of the multiracial working class—Black, brown, and white—while successfully pushing back against the influence of billionaires like Musk. Their efforts have resulted in a wave of elected officials dedicated to serving the interests of working families over corporate agendas.
As we look ahead, it’s clear: when community engagement meets compelling messaging, the power of the people triumphs over money and misinformation.
