Wisconsin's Supreme Court & 2 Key Florida House Seats Decided
Money Lost All Three: Voters Just Sent a Message Bigger Than Musk’s Millions
Three elections. Three top spenders. Three losses.
In a stunning trio of contests—from the Wisconsin Supreme Court to two Florida congressional seats—candidates with the biggest war chests all came up short. Elon Musk dropped over $25 million trying to sway Wisconsin’s court. Josh Weil outspent his GOP opponent nearly 10-to-1 in Florida’s 6th. Gay Valimont raised more than triple what Jimmy Patronis did in the Panhandle.
And yet, they all lost.
What’s happening in American politics isn't just about dark money anymore; it’s about voter clarity, grassroots muscle, and the limits of financial firepower.
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Money Didn’t Win. In Fact, It Lost
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race was the most expensive judicial contest in U.S. history, topping $98 million. Conservative Brad Schimel had the single biggest donor in modern politics, Elon Musk. His campaign raked in over $25 million, bolstered by super PACs and billionaire backers.
But he lost. By nearly 12 points.
Progressive Susan Crawford, backed by a mix of grassroots donors and liberal networks, ran on a simple platform: protect abortion rights, restore democracy, and keep billionaires out of the courtroom. Voters listened.
See our recent reporting on Musk’s attempts to influence the Wisconsin election:
Florida: Two Red Districts, Two Big Democratic Bets
In Florida’s 6th district, Democrat Josh Weil brought an arsenal of funding, raising $9.5 million to Republican Randy Fine’s under-$1 million campaign. You read that right: a nearly 10-to-1 spending advantage.
Still, Weil lost.
In the 1st district, Gay Valimont also outraised her GOP opponent Jimmy Patronis by a wide margin: $4.3 million to just $1.3 million. Her background in Moms Demand Action, her message on gun safety, and a national push from progressives gave her campaign serious momentum.
But the outcome? Another Republican hold.
Grassroots Energy: Necessary, Not Sufficient
These weren’t lazy campaigns. Grassroots organizing was on fire in Wisconsin. Groups like Swing Left, Indivisible, and Everytown put boots on the ground and energy into turnout.
Crawford’s win shows what happens when grassroots momentum meets a clear, values-based message in a battleground state.
But Florida tells a different story: grassroots alone doesn’t flip entrenched districts. In deep-red zones, money can amplify a message, but even millions can't overcome it if it doesn’t resonate with the local electorate.
Three high-spenders. Three losses.
Grassroots matters. But matching message, momentum, and mobilization? That’s the winning formula.
What This Means Going Forward
The takeaway isn’t to spend less; it’s to spend smarter. Target competitive districts. Mobilize around local issues. And never assume money alone will save a weak candidate or win over disengaged voters.
These results should embolden progressives, not discourage them. Musk’s millions couldn’t buy a court. Ten-to-one fundraising didn’t flip the Panhandle. But the right campaign—run the right way—still can.
2026 starts now.
See our ongoing reporting on threats to voter rights and protections.
What You Can Do Next
If this election cycle proved anything, it’s that voters—not donors—still have the final say. But it takes work. Here's how you can make a difference:
🔹 Support Down-Ballot Races Early
Start backing local candidates now. School boards. Judges. State reps. These elections are often overlooked but massively consequential.
🔹 Give Smarter, Not Just More
Donate to campaigns that emphasize field operations, grassroots organizing, and voter protection, not just ad buys. Groups like Run for Something, Swing Left, and Sister District are great places to start.
🔹 Volunteer Where It Matters
Consider virtual phone/text banks or canvassing in competitive areas. Even one hour a week between now and November 2026 can shift turnout numbers.
🔹 Stay Local, Think National
Look into upcoming local races in your own area. Flip school boards. Keep extremist sheriffs out of power. Push for local reforms that build the progressive pipeline.
🔹 Share This Post
Help others see what’s really happening beneath the media narrative. Money’s not destiny; your vote, voice, and time are powerful.
We just hit 10,000 subscribers—thank you! We’re offering full access to The Coffman Chronicle for just $1 a week ($52/year) to celebrate.
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Bibliography:
Axios – “Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Becomes Most Expensive in U.S. History” April 1, 2025
Associated Press (AP News) – “Susan Crawford Wins Wisconsin Supreme Court Race” April 1, 2025
Florida Phoenix – “Republicans Sweep in Florida’s Two Congressional Special Elections” April 1, 2025
Florida Politics – “Despite Close Polls and Democrat Spending Surge, Randy Fine Wins CD 6” April 1, 2025
Wikipedia – “2025 Florida’s 1st Congressional District Special Election” April 1, 2025
Wikipedia – “2025 Florida’s 6th Congressional District Special Election” April 1, 2025
Swing Left – “WI Supreme Court Victory: Grassroots Made the Difference” April 1, 2025
Everytown for Gun Safety – “Everytown Statement on Susan Crawford’s Victory in the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court Election” April 1, 2025