Party officials react to Wisconsin election

As results pour in for Wisconsin’s 2025 general election, Democrats and Republicans around the state are reacting to the news.

Wisconsin GOP Chairman Brian Schimming:

“This election was the most expensive Supreme Court race in history. Coming off a successful November, we knew the April elections would be challenging. I want to thank Brad Schimel and Brittany Kinser, who stepped forward to represent our Conservative values on the ballot this spring. Conservatives saw victories across the state. Wisconsin ensured its elections would remain secure by enshrining Voter ID in the Constitution and won many crucial local races. In 2026, we have the opportunity to remain united and make a stand against Tony Evers’ far-left agenda and defend President Trump’s America First policies.”

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler:

“Susan Crawford’s victory over Brad Schimel, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump is a resounding message from voters that Wisconsin believes in freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, that they have had enough of MAGA extremism, and that Wisconsin is not for sale. 

“Democracy is alive and roaring in the Badger State. Tonight, Wisconsinites turned out at record levels to deliver a resounding, well-earned Supreme Court victory for a candidate who represents our state’s highest ideals. Wisconsin Democrats enthusiastically congratulate Justice-elect Susan Crawford and look forward to a ten-year term of jurisprudence marked by integrity, impartiality, and common sense.

“This was a Susan-versus-Goliath struggle of Biblical proportions. Elon Musk made this race a referendum on himself. Schimel sought to make it a referendum on Donald Trump. Ultimately, voters chose between Schimel, Musk, and Trump on one side, and Susan Crawford, freedom, and democracy on the other. The voters’ verdict sends a resounding message: Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election demonstrates Musk and Trump have gone too far, and any politician allied with them could swiftly face the end of their political career.

“We’re deeply grateful to Justice-elect Crawford for her leadership, bringing Wisconsin values to  this fight for our freedoms and the rule of law. As a prosecutor, public servant, attorney in private practice, and circuit court judge, Justice-elect Crawford worked to keep our communities safe and uphold the law. As our next Supreme Court justice, Justice-elect Crawford will continue her lifetime of service to Wisconsin, protecting the basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to Wisconsinites under our constitution. 

“This victory would not have been possible without the thousands of volunteers, activists, and organizers who worked their hearts out, often amidst ice and snow, to support Justice-elect Crawford and defend our democracy. To all those who went door to door, made phone calls, texted friends and family, chipped in, or put out a yard sign: thank you.

“Tonight, Democrats got up off the mat and fought back. The world’s richest man tried to buy Wisconsin’s democracy in order to corrupt Wisconsin’s judiciary, but Wisconsinites demonstrated that our state is not for sale. In a moment of national darkness, Wisconsin voters lit a candle. Let the lesson of Wisconsin’s election ring out across the country: hope is not lost, democracy can yet survive, and the voice of the American people will not be silenced.” 

“With her steadfast commitment to Wisconsin’s kids, educators, and public schools, Dr. Jill Underly richly earned her reelection victory tonight. Jill is the champion that our kids need leading the Department of Public Instruction, bringing new ideas to the table to ensure the best educational outcomes for students across Wisconsin. She has stood up to partisan attacks on public education and bolstered our schools by helping to pass new bipartisan literacy legislation and raising standards to ensure our kids are set up for success. Meanwhile, she has held the line against a MAGA movement dedicated to the destruction of public education. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin is proud to congratulate Dr. Underly on her reelection victory tonight, and we look forward to partnering with Jill over the next four years as we work to keep our schools and our kids strong.”