Commences service on Wisconsin Supreme Court for Susan Crawford
Susan Crawford, a seasoned lawyer with a background in civil litigation and a history of advocating for liberal causes, was sworn in as a justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court on August 1, 2025. Her victory in a highly contested and expensive election marked a significant shift in the court's political balance, securing a 4-3 liberal majority [1][3][4].
Crawford, who most recently served as a Dane County Circuit Court judge, defeated conservative Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel in the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history [1][3]. Her election was notable for its unprecedented cost, reflecting the high stakes of the contest.
The ceremony, which marked Chief Justice Ann Walsh Bradley's retirement after serving 30 years on the court, was a poignant moment for the legal community. Upon her retirement, Bradley passed the gavel to Crawford, symbolising the transfer of power and the start of a new era [1].
Crawford's tenure on the court comes at a critical time, with the Wisconsin Supreme Court set to hear cases on various significant issues such as congressional maps, voting, labor rights, and environmental protections [2]. With a liberal majority, the court's decisions could have far-reaching implications for the state.
In her swearing-in remarks, Crawford emphasised the importance of the state constitution and judicial independence. She acknowledged the significance of the race and expressed her readiness to get to work for the great people of Wisconsin [4].
Chief Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, in her farewell address, congratulated Crawford and urged unity, saying, "Let us move forward, together" [2]. The upcoming years promise to be challenging, with elections for the state's highest court every year for the next four years [1].
As a lawyer, Crawford has represented notable clients such as Planned Parenthood and a group of teachers suing to overturn parts of Act 10 [1]. During her investiture ceremony at the State Capitol, Crawford stated that the race may have been more than expected but that she was ready to face the challenges ahead [4].
After taking her oath, Crawford reiterated that the questions that come before the court still shape and project democracy, communities, and the rights of Wisconsin residents [4]. As she begins her 10-year term, Crawford is poised to make a significant impact on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the state as a whole.
[1] https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2025/08/01/susan-crawford-sworn-in-wisconsin-supreme-court-liberal-majority/38261241/ [2] https://www.wpr.org/crawford-sworn-wisconsin-supreme-court-continuing-liberal-majority [3] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/01/wisconsin-supreme-court-election-crawford-schimel-479806 [4] https://www.wisconsinpublicradio.org/segments/265226/susan-crawford-sworn-in-as-wisconsin-supreme-court-justice/
In her new role as a justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Susan Crawford is expected to influence policy-and-legislation on various issues, such as congressional maps, voting, labor rights, and environmental protections, due to the court's liberal majority. The high cost of her election underscores the political significance of the race, as she navigates the complexities of Wisconsin's politically charged general-news landscape.
