Pritzker helps Democrats win Wisconsin Supreme Court race
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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at the office of the Center for American Progress Action Fund on March 18. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Wisconsin Democrats are rejoicing over winning a state Supreme Court seat, and they can thank their rival state's governor for the assist.
The big picture: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker sank $1.5 million into Democrat Susan Crawford's campaign and the Democratic Party of Illinois sent hundreds of volunteers across the border to canvass door to door through grassroots coalition Operation Swing State.
Zoom out: This election wasn't just about the Wisconsin state judiciary. It was seen as a proxy vote on the recent actions of the Trump administration.
- Elon Musk made headlines for giving away million-dollar checks to voters while contributing over $20 million to Republican Brad Schimel's campaign.
- It was the most expensive state Supreme Court race in U.S. history, with about $100 million spent.
Although Crawford's campaign outspent Schimel's, Republicans overall spent more on the race than Democrats.
- On the Democrat side, Pritzker was one of the biggest spenders, trailing billionaire George Soros.
The intrigue: Since rising to political power in 2018, Pritzker has used his billionaire status to fund Democratic candidates for president, Congress and statewide offices, and even wrestled away control of the Illinois Democratic Party, once led by now-convicted Michael Madigan.
- He was rumored to be in the mix to be a running mate for Kamala Harris in 2024 and has long been considered a contender for a 2028 presidential run.
Reality check: Pritzker isn't ruling out a run for a third term as governor.
- "The bully pulpit that I get as governor gives me the opportunity at least to speak to what I think that our common American values are, and we are the center of the country, the heart of the country," Pritzker said at a recent appearance at the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C.
The bottom line: Even though yesterday's election results were a win for Wisconsin Democrats, it was also a big win for Pritzker, whose political power continues to grow.
What's next: Musk's loss may put him in poor standing with President Trump, who, according to sources, may end Musk's involvement in the administration soon.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify that, although Crawford's campaign outspent Schimel's, Republicans overall spent more on the race than Democrats.