Elon Musk hails 'most important thing' after Wisconsin loss

Elon Musk, who poured millions of dollars and his own personal time into the Wisconsin election, finally appears to have—indirectly, at least—commented on Schimel's loss to Crawford.

"This was the most important thing," Musk posted on X, sharing news from a few hours earlier that Wisconsin Question 1, which added a Voter ID requirement to the state's constitution, had passed.

Musk followed up with: "The long con of the left is corruption of the judiciary."

Trump blasts Republican senators over Canada tariffs resolution

After an uneasy night of elections for Trump—including two narrower-than-hoped wins in congressional districts in Florida, and a loss for a seat on Wisconsin's Supreme Court—he has turned his attention back to the grind of Senate politics.

Trump is still awake and posting on his Truth Social platform—taking aim at on Republican senators who oppose him on Canada tariffs.

In the Senate, Democrats have a resolution to nullify his emergency order that underpins his tariffs on Canada as they try to force a Republican loyalty test on Trump. Some Republicans do oppose Trump on the issue.

Trump wroth on Truth Social: "Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul, also of Kentucky, will hopefully get on the Republican bandwagon, for a change, and fight the Democrats wild and flagrant push to not penalize Canada for the sale, into our Country, of large amounts of Fentanyl, by Tariffing the value of this horrible and deadly drug in order to make it more costly to distribute and buy.

"They are playing with the lives of the American people, and right into the hands of the Radical Left Democrats and Drug Cartels. The Senate Bill is just a ploy of the Dems to show and expose the weakness of certain Republicans, namely these four, in that it is not going anywhere because the House will never approve it and I, as your President, will never sign it.

"Why are they allowing Fentanyl to pour into our Country unchecked, and without penalty. What is wrong with them, other than suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome, commonly known as TDS? Who can want this to happen to our beautiful families, and why?

"To the people of the Great States of Kentucky, Alaska, and Maine, please contact these Senators and get them to FINALLY adhere to Republican Values and Ideals.

"They have been extremely difficult to deal with and, unbelievably disloyal to hardworking Majority Leader John Thune, and the Republican Party itself. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Federal judge orders temporary restoration of legal aid for migrant children

A federal judge in California has ordered the Trump administration to temporarily restore legal aid for tens of thousands of unaccompanied migrant children, following the termination of a contract with the Acacia Center for Justice. The contract, which ended on March 21, had provided legal services through subcontracted legal aid groups. Eleven of these subcontractors sued, arguing that 26,000 children were at risk of losing legal representation, violating their rights under a 2008 anti-trafficking law.

U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín granted a temporary restraining order, acknowledging concerns that the administration may have violated the law, which mandates the provision of legal counsel to protect vulnerable migrant children from mistreatment and trafficking. The order, which will last until April 16, reinstates funding for legal representation to ensure fairness and efficiency in immigration proceedings.

This legal setback marks the third in less than a week for the Trump administration's immigration policies, following rulings in Boston and San Francisco on deportations and protections for Venezuelan migrants. Advocates have emphasized that the government must ensure children have access to legal counsel to navigate complex immigration processes. The Justice Action Center and other plaintiffs argued that the administration cannot simply cut funding without providing an alternative plan for these children's representation.

Trump, Musk celebrate after Wisconsin approves voter ID referendum

President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk celebrated after Wisconsin approved a voter ID referendum on Tuesday amid a closely watched state Supreme Court race and two special elections in Florida.

Voters in Wisconsin decided on Tuesday to add a voter ID requirement to the state's Constitution.

Wisconsin voters are already required to show photo ID based on a state law passed in 2011. But proponents of the Republican-backed proposal that was on Tuesday's ballot argued that adding it to the Constitution would help cement the requirement.

Trump celebrated the approval of the referendum on Truth Social, writing: "VOTER I.D. JUST APPROVED IN WISCONSIN ELECTION. Democrats fought hard against this, presumably so they can CHEAT."

He added: "This is a BIG WIN FOR REPUBLICANS, MAYBE THE BIGGEST WIN OF THE NIGHT. IT SHOULD ALLOW US TO WIN WISCONSIN, LIKE I JUST DID IN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, FOR MANY YEARS TO COME!"

Meanwhile, the America PAC, which was founded by Musk, posted on X, formerly Twitter: "BREAKING: Wisconsin Question 1, which adds a Voter ID requirement to the state's Constitution has passed."

The SpaceX CEO replied to the post, writing, "Yeah!"

Trump and Musk's comments came as Republicans suffered a resounding defeat in the state's hotly contested Supreme Court race, in which Democratic-backed Judge Susan Crawford triumphed over Republican-backed Judge Brad Schimel.

Read the full story by Sonam Sheth on Newsweek.

Judge Susan Crawford thanks supporters at victory rally

At her victory rally in Madison, Judge Susan Crawford thanked her supporters for helping her secure a win in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. She called the victory a resounding message to the country, stating that Wisconsinites had "fended off an unprecedented attack on our democracy" and made it clear that "justice does not have a price — our courts are not for sale."

Crawford, while not naming Elon Musk directly, referenced his substantial financial backing for her opponent, Brad Schimel. "As a little girl in Chippewa Falls, I never thought I'd be taking on the richest man in the world for justice in Wisconsin, and we won!" she said, to loud applause.

Crawford also expressed gratitude for Schimel's gracious concession and wished him well. She concluded her speech with a powerful quote from late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, emphasizing the importance of dissent in the face of adversity: "America must get to work. We must dissent from the fear, the hatred and the mistrust. We must dissent because America can do better."

DNC chair celebrates Susan Crawford's victory in Wisconsin Supreme Court race

DNC Chair Ken Martin issued a statement following Judge Susan Crawford's victory over Elon Musk-backed Brad Schimel in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Martin described the result as a rejection of the influence of Musk, Donald Trump, and billionaire special interests, stressing that Wisconsin voters made it clear that the state's elections and courts were not for sale.

"Stay out of our elections and stay away from our courts - Wisconsin is not for sale," Martin said in a statement shared with Newsweek. He added that the victory marks a continued effort to protect essential rights and freedoms, stop billionaire interference in politics, and build momentum heading into key elections later this year.

Ben Wikler, Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, also praised Crawford's victory as a triumph for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. "Ultimately, voters chose between Schimel, Musk, and Trump on one side, and Susan Crawford, freedom, and democracy on the other," he added.

The DNC heavily invested in the race, contributing nearly $23 million in the 2024 cycle and deploying extensive grassroots efforts to support Crawford.

Wisconsin professor suspended, accused of attacking GOP voter operation

A Wisconsin professor was placed on leave after being accused of attacking a Republican voter operation on Tuesday.

Wisconsin residents voted on Tuesday in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race between liberal Judge Susan Crawford and conservative Judge Brad Schimel. The election will determine the ideological balance of the highest state court. If Crawford wins, liberals will retain their 4-3 majority; if Schimel wins, the balance of the court will shift toward conservatives.

It's also a major test for President Donald Trump's popularity in a critical battleground state that narrowly voted for him in November as his approval rating dropped amid concerns of tariffs, the firings of federal workers and his administration's use of the Signal application to discuss military plans.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) Republicans posted about a political incident on social media Tuesday, showing video of a man flipping over a table displaying political buttons and other merchandise.

Read the full story by Andrew Stanton on Newsweek.

Wisconsin GOP chair downplays implications of Crawford's win

Republican Party Chair Brian Schimming downplayed Susan Crawford's election result, saying that he did not view it as a referendum on the 2024 election.

Schimming told CNN, "If I jerked my head every time something like this happened, I'd be in the chiropractor's office every day."

Obama congratulates Crawford on Wisconsin Supreme Court win

Former President Barack Obama congratulated Judge Susan Crawford on her victory in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, praising her commitment to the rule of law.

In a tweet, Obama also commended the people of Wisconsin for electing a judge who upholds and protects freedoms.

Fresh from defeat, Elon Musk is on the ballot in Virginia and New Jersey

Fresh off a stinging defeat in Wisconsin's Supreme Court race — the lone statewide election before November — Republicans are heading into two high-stakes gubernatorial contests where Democrats have found a new political weapon: Elon Musk.

Susan Crawford, the Democratic-backed candidate in the Wisconsin judicial race, defeated the Trump and Musk-backed Brad Schimel to cement a liberal majority on the state's high court for at least the next three years, according to the Associated Press. Turnout was so high statewide that several polling stations ran out of ballots.

With Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative responsible for thousands of federal job cuts, Democratic candidates for governor in Virginia and New Jersey are preparing to make Musk's name—and his policies—synonymous with their opponents on the campaign trail this summer and fall.

Read the full story by Jesus Mesa on Newsweek.

Crawford thanks voters and opponent after winning Wisconsin Supreme Court race

Susan Crawford expressed her gratitude following her victory in Wisconsin's Supreme Court race, thanking her opponent, Brad Schimel, for his graciousness. In a statement, Crawford extended well wishes to Schimel and his family, while also thanking the people of Wisconsin for trusting her with the role.

"This campaign has been an incredible, life-altering experience in so many ways," Crawford said, adding that she was grateful for the trust and support she earned from voters across the state.

Trump celebrates Wisconsin voter ID approval

Trump praised Wisconsin's approval of a voter ID requirement, calling it a "BIG WIN FOR REPUBLICANS" in a Truth Social post.

Wisconsin voters approve photo ID requirement as constitutional amendment

Wisconsin voters have approved a proposal to elevate the state's photo ID requirement for voting to a constitutional amendment. The measure, which was placed on the ballot by the Republican-controlled Legislature, aims to solidify the law and protect it from potential future challenges in court.

Supporters of the amendment, including Republican lawmakers, argue that the photo ID law strengthens election security. "This will help maintain integrity in the electoral process, no matter who controls the Legislature," said Sen. Van Wanggaard, a co-author of the amendment.

Opponents, primarily Democrats, contend that the law disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, including people of color, those with disabilities, and low-income individuals, making it harder for them to vote.

Although the amendment ensures the photo ID requirement remains in place, voters won't see immediate changes at the polls. The ID requirement, which has been enforced since 2016, remains the same. However, by enshrining it in the state constitution, the law becomes more resistant to future changes, requiring approval from two consecutive legislative sessions and a statewide vote for any potential modifications.

Wisconsin now joins nine states with a strict photo ID requirement for voting, making it one of the most stringent in the nation.

Susan Crawford wins Wisconsin Supreme Court race, keeping liberal majority

Susan Crawford, a liberal-backed candidate, has won Wisconsin's Supreme Court race, securing the liberal majority on the court for the time being. The race, which pitted Crawford against conservative candidate Brad Schimel, was closely watched as it marked a key political test for President Donald Trump early in his second term.

Crawford, a Dane County circuit court judge, triumphed over Schimel, a Waukesha County judge endorsed by Trump in the final stretch of the campaign. While the race was officially nonpartisan, Crawford's victory has significant implications for Democrats, as it signals a major win in the battleground state of Wisconsin. This is seen as a bright spot for the party, as voters rejected Trump's candidate, showing a potential shift in the state's political landscape.

Polling locations in Florida's 1st Congressional District face temporary ballot shortages

Some polling locations in Florida's 1st Congressional District experienced temporary ballot shortages during Tuesday's special election. The Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office issued a statement at 7 p.m., acknowledging the issue and assuring voters that all ballots would be counted.

The shortage was attributed to unprecedented voter turnout in the Special General Election for U.S. House of Representatives, District 1. Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender confirmed that all voters in line before polls closed at 7 p.m. would still be able to cast their ballots and that every valid ballot would be counted.

All polls have closed

The Wisconsin polls are now closed statewide.

This officially puts an end to this election day as results now roll in.

Record turnout leads to ballot shortages in Wisconsin Supreme Court race

Wisconsin saw historic voter turnout on Tuesday, causing ballot shortages at multiple polling sites, particularly in Milwaukee, during the state Supreme Court election. The race, which became a political battleground, featured Brad Schimel, a Trump-backed Republican, and Susan Crawford, a Democrat supported by key figures like Barack Obama and George Soros.

With early voting surpassing previous records, and turnout significantly higher in both liberal and conservative areas, the election attracted national attention. The outcome will determine the ideological control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which holds sway over important state issues, including elections and redistricting.

While weather disruptions occurred in some parts of the state, no major issues were reported. The race was the most expensive in Wisconsin history, with spending nearing $99 million, as major donors like Musk and Soros pumped millions into their respective candidates' campaigns.

Trump celebrates Republican victories in Florida House races

Trump took to Truth Social to celebrate Republican wins in Florida's special congressional elections, touting his endorsement as a key factor.

Republican Jimmy Patronis wins Florida special election

Republican Jimmy Patronis has won the special election for Florida's 1st Congressional District, AP projects, keeping the Panhandle seat in GOP control.

Patronis, Florida's former chief financial officer, defeated Democrat Gay Valimont and will now head to Washington, D.C., where his win adds to the House Republicans' narrow majority.

The seat has been vacant since November when former Rep. Matt Gaetz resigned after being tapped as Donald Trump's pick for attorney general. Though Gaetz initially won reelection, he stepped down amid a House Ethics Committee report detailing allegations of drug use and misconduct, which he has denied.

Polls close in Florida's 1st Congressional District race

Polls have closed in Florida's 1st Congressional District, where Republican Jimmy Patronis and Democrat Gay Valimont are vying for the vacant House seat.

Patronis, Florida's outgoing chief financial officer, secured Trump's endorsement before officially entering the race and dominated the January 28 Republican primary with a 56-point victory. Valimont, an athletic trainer and gun control activist, was the only Democrat on the ballot and did not face a primary challenge.

The seat was left open after former GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz resigned in November following his nomination as Trump's attorney general pick. However, he later withdrew from consideration after controversy over a House Ethics report.

Another major law firm reaches settlement with Trump, offers $100M pro bono

Law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher, whose partners include former Vice President Kamala Harris's husband, has reached a settlement deal with the Trump administration that will see them provide $100 million in legal services.

Thomas Cerabino and Matthew Feldman, co-chairs at Wilkie, said in a statement that the firm "looks forward to having a constructive relationship with the Trump Administration" and that the agreement is "consistent with our firm's longstanding practices."

Wilkie is the latest major U.S. law firm to strike a deal with Trump.

Similar agreements were made in recent weeks by Paul Weiss and Skadden Arps in an attempt to avoid or get executive orders against them lifted.

Since returning to office, Trump has issued executive orders blocking security clearances and canceling federal contracts with legal firms that have worked with his perceived enemies.

Read the full story by Hannah Parry on Newsweek.

Musk's influence looms in Wisconsin Supreme Court race

The Wisconsin Supreme Court race has become a focal point for a variety of hot-button issues, with abortion rights, collective bargaining laws, and voting regulations all at stake. While much of the conversation has centered around Elon Musk's involvement, the candidates are focusing on the pressing legal challenges that could come before the court.

The court is currently considering whether Wisconsin's 1849 abortion ban is enforceable, an issue that has sparked passionate debate among voters, particularly those backing liberal candidate Susan Crawford. Another major issue is Act 10, a controversial law that stripped public sector workers of collective bargaining rights, which led to large protests in the state.

Additionally, the court may be asked to rule on Wisconsin's congressional district maps, which are currently seen as favoring Republicans. A lawsuit involving Musk's Tesla is also a potential case for the court, where the company is challenging a state law that prevents it from opening company-owned stores in Wisconsin. Crawford has pointed to Musk's involvement in the race as evidence of his business interests influencing the contest.

Randy Fine wins Florida's 6th congressional district special election

Republican state Senator Randy Fine has emerged victorious in the special election for Florida's 6th Congressional District, defeating Democrat Josh Weil. Fine's win solidifies Republican control in a district that overwhelmingly supported Trump in 2020.

Fine had the endorsement of former U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz, who vacated the seat to join the Trump administration as national security adviser.

Lawsuit accuses Musk's PAC of unpaid petition payments

A Pennsylvania man has filed a federal lawsuit against Elon Musk and his political action committee, claiming he was not fully paid for collecting petition signatures. The plaintiff, identified as "John Doe" from Bucks County, alleges he was promised payments for referring registered voters to sign a petition supporting free speech and gun rights but has yet to receive more than $20,000.

The lawsuit, which seeks class-action status, argues that Musk's America PAC failed to uphold its payment commitments. A spokesperson for the PAC stated that they have paid "tens of millions of dollars" to canvassers but are also investigating potential fraud.

Attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan, representing the plaintiff, said others have reported similar payment issues. The lawsuit accuses Musk, the PAC, and Group America LLC of breaching contracts and violating Pennsylvania's wage laws.

Democratic leaders unite against Trump's tax cuts

Democratic leaders in Congress vowed to stand together against Donald Trump's tax policies, emphasizing their commitment to blocking Republican efforts despite being in the minority.

"We are standing together against the GOP tax scam and in defense of the American people," House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Tuesday while standing alongside Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on the Capitol steps.

Schumer also praised Senator Cory Booker, calling him a "tour de force" for his lengthy Senate floor speech aimed at stalling Republican efforts to advance their agenda. Democrats face mounting pressure to demonstrate resistance to Trump's policies as they rally their base ahead of upcoming elections.

First polls close in Florida, others still open for a while longer

In Wisconsin, voters will decide the ideological balance of the state Supreme Court, where Republican-backed Brad Schimel faces Democratic-backed Susan Crawford. The outcome could shift the court's current 4-3 liberal majority. Polls in the state close at 9 p.m. ET.

Florida voters are filling two vacant congressional seats in solidly Republican districts. Trump-endorsed Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine are favored to win, but both races are being closely watched for signs of party enthusiasm. Polls close in the 6th District at 7 p.m. ET and the 1st District at 8 p.m. ET.

Johnson confident Republicans will win Florida House special elections

House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed confidence =that Republicans would secure victories in both Florida special elections for U.S. House seats.

"We're not going to lose, and we'll win, and we're going to have two victories, and that's what's important," Johnson told reporters.

Republican Jimmy Patronis faces Democrat Gay Valimont in the race for Florida's 1st Congressional District, while Republican Randy Fine is running against Democrat Josh Weil in the 6th District. Both seats were vacated by former GOP Reps. Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz.

Despite Johnson's optimism, some Republicans have voiced concerns over Democratic candidates significantly out-fundraising their opponents. Valimont has raised nearly $6.5 million, while Patronis has brought in just over $2.1 million, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Weil has raised over $10 million, compared to Fine's under $1 million.

Johnson dismissed worries about Democratic gains in the GOP-leaning districts, calling special elections "an anomaly" that "doesn't mean anything."

House Speaker Mike Johnson downplays significance of tight Florida race

House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed the significance of a potentially tight race for the seat of former GOP Rep. Mike Waltz in Florida, should Democratic candidate Josh Weil fare better than expected against former Republican state Sen. Randy Fine. Despite polls suggesting a competitive contest, Johnson called it an "anomaly" and asserted it wouldn't change the Republican approach to governing.

"If there was some big trend going on, it would be going on in Florida's 1st District as well," Johnson said, referencing the district's historically strong Republican leanings. He remained confident, emphasizing that Republicans would secure "two victories" in the state, regardless of the closeness in any race.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, meanwhile, argued that the competitiveness of the races in Florida's districts showed the growing impact of the Republican "extreme agenda."

"There's no way that a Democratic candidate should be competitive in either of those two districts," Jeffries said.

Biden urges people to 'go. VOTE'

Former President Joe Biden shared a tweet asking people in Florida and Wisconsin to vote.

Musk makes last-minute appeal to Wisconsin voters in closely-watched state judicial race

Elon Musk made a final appeal to Wisconsin voters on Tuesday afternoon, urging them to support Brad Schimel in the state's closely watched Supreme Court race. In a Fox News interview, Musk emphasized the stakes of the election, calling it so close that a single vote could decide it.

Musk, a key adviser to the government, explained the political implications of the race, noting that it could determine whether Democrats can gain control of two U.S. House seats through gerrymandering. Schimel, backed by Republicans, is the candidate Musk is supporting.

"If Republicans lose control of the U.S. House, Democrats will do everything possible to stop the agenda that the American people voted for," Musk said. He urged voters to reach out to people in Wisconsin, adding, "If you know people in Wisconsin, call them right now."

Trump to meet with advisers over TikTok deadline

Trump is set to meet with Vice President JD Vance and other key advisers tomorrow to discuss an offer for TikTok as the deadline to keep the social media app running in the U.S. approaches. The meeting will include Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, according to sources familiar with the plans.

TikTok's future in the U.S. has been uncertain since last year, when bipartisan legislation signed by President Joe Biden required the app's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell it to a non-Chinese entity or face a ban. With no deal reached, Trump extended the deadline via executive order on his first day in office, setting Saturday as the new deadline for a solution. Vance and Waltz have been tasked with managing the negotiations.

Susan Crawford's chances of winning Wisconsin Supreme Court: Betting odds

Bettings odds point to liberal Judge Susan Crawford as the favorite over conservative Judge Brad Schimel just hours before polls close in Wisconsin's Supreme Court race.

Newsweek reached out to each campaign for comment via email on Tuesday.

The election will determine the ideological balance of Wisconsin's highest court ahead of potential rulings on hot-button issues like reproductive rights, voting regulation and redistricting. A Crawford victory would allow the liberal-leaning justices to retain their majority until at least 2028, but a Schimel win would hand conservative justices a majority.

The election is viewed as a gauge of how voters in the critical swing state are feeling about President Donald Trump about two months into his new administration, as well as Elon Musk, who has endorsed and donated to Schimel.

Read the full story by Andrew Stanton on Newsweek.

Record-breaking spending marks Wisconsin Supreme Court race

The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is shaping up to be the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, with spending nearing $99 million, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. Outside groups, especially those funded by billionaire Elon Musk, have led the charge, pouring over $21 million into the contest.

The intense spending has been credited with driving early voter turnout, which is more than 50% higher than in the previous state Supreme Court race two years ago, when majority control was also at stake.

Republican candidate Brad Schimel has embraced his support from former President Donald Trump, though he insists he is not beholden to Trump or Musk. Democrats, meanwhile, have focused their messaging on the influence of Musk-funded groups in the race. "People do not want to see Elon Musk buying election after election," said Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler.

Democratic challenger Susan Crawford has benefitted from support from figures like Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and major donors including George Soros and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. Crawford has also criticized Musk's involvement, calling it undemocratic for a billionaire to wield such influence in elections.

Voters expressed differing opinions on the heavy spending. Taylor Sullivan, an Iraq War veteran from Waunakee, said his vote for Schimel wasn't tied to Trump or Musk but because of Schimel's support for law enforcement. Meanwhile, Kenneth Gifford, a college student in Milwaukee, voted for Crawford, citing concerns about Trump's influence and Musk's attempts to sway the vote.

The winner of this race will replace retiring Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, serving a 10-year term. If Crawford wins, the court will maintain liberal control until at least 2028. If Schimel wins, the ideological balance will shift, with another battle expected next year.

Wisconsin Supreme Court race could shift state's judicial balance

Voters in Wisconsin are casting ballots today to fill an open seat on the state's Supreme Court, with the outcome set to determine whether the court remains under 4-3 liberal control or shifts to a conservative majority. The result is crucial, as the court is expected to decide high-stakes cases on abortion rights, public sector unions, voting laws, and congressional district boundaries.

The ideological balance of the court could have significant implications, particularly in Wisconsin, a key battleground state in presidential elections. Control of the court may influence future rulings on voting challenges and election laws in the state.

By midday Tuesday, state election officials reported no major voting issues. Some polling places in northern Wisconsin were relocated due to severe weather, and a brief power outage affected certain locations in Green Bay, but voting continued without disruption. In Dane County, which includes the state capital, Madison, polling stations were busy and operating smoothly.

Wisconsin Supreme Court race could determine majority control

Voters in Wisconsin will decide the majority control of the state Supreme Court on Tuesday in a race that has broken records for campaign spending and become a proxy for national political battles. The contest pits Brad Schimel, a former state attorney general backed by President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, against Susan Crawford, a Dane County judge supported by Democrats, including former President Barack Obama and billionaire George Soros.

The election has drawn significant attention, as the court has the power to settle disputes over election laws and outcomes. Schimel's campaign has framed Crawford as a Democrat-aligned figure who would push for redistricting and the repeal of laws limiting collective bargaining rights. Crawford, on the other hand, has emphasized her support for abortion rights and criticized Schimel's connections to Trump and Musk.

The outcome could be a litmus test for Trump's influence and the role of Musk's controversial Department of Government Efficiency. The race's outcome will be a key indicator of how Wisconsin voters feel about the political direction in the state and across the country.

Florida voters head to polls for special elections in Gaetz and Waltz districts

Voters in Florida's 1st and 6th Congressional Districts are heading to the polls for special elections to fill the seats vacated by former Republican Representatives Matt Gaetz and Michael Waltz. Republicans are expected to retain both seats, which would give House Speaker Mike Johnson some breathing room in the narrowly divided chamber.

However, the margins of victory will be closely watched. Democrats have performed well in special elections this year, including a recent legislative race in Pennsylvania. While a Republican win is expected, a narrow victory in these deeply red districts could signal early voter rejection of President Donald Trump's agenda and provide a glimmer of hope for the Democrats.

The elections come after Gaetz resigned to take a post as Trump's attorney general pick, which he later withdrew from, and Waltz stepped down to become Trump's national security adviser. A loss for Republicans in these races would likely send shockwaves through the party, adding pressure to Trump's second-term efforts.

Wisconsin voters react to outside influence in Supreme Court race

One Wisconsin voter said the last election with this much attention was "the last one" — November 2024. Now, the state's Supreme Court race has drawn national interest, especially from billionaire Elon Musk, who has actively campaigned for the conservative candidate.

Ms. Higgins, a voter from Elm Grove, told CNN she's not a fan of Musk's involvement. "Maybe he should be taking care of his own business instead of everybody else's," she said.

She expressed frustration over negative campaigning, adding that she considered not voting at all because of it. "I'll be honest, I'll be glad when this campaign is over with."

Another voter, Bob, was less bothered by Musk's role. "How much has George Soros given? How much have the Koch brothers?" he said. "You get used to it after 50 years."

Neither voter shared who they cast their ballot for.

Mike Waltz used personal Gmail for government communications: Report

Donald Trump's National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, has been using his personal Gmail account for government communications, The Washington Post reports.

Waltz, who has recently taken responsibility for accidentally adding a high profile journalist to a Signal group chat discussing sensitive military attack plans in Yemen, shared his schedule and other work documents on Gmail, sources told the Post.

A Waltz staffer also reportedly shared sensitive military data on the email service, including discussions about military positions and weapons systems being deployed in current conflicts, according to records reviewed by the paper.

Read the full story by Hannah Parry on Newsweek.