MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin's Supreme Court election on Tuesday saw unprecedented voter turnout leading to ballot shortages in Milwaukee, as the state concluded what has become the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history [1][2].

Seven polling sites in Milwaukee reported running low or completely out of ballots due to 'historic turnout,' with election officials scrambling to deliver additional ballots before polls closed [1]. Early voting numbers were already 50% higher than the previous Supreme Court race in 2023.

The race pits former state Attorney General Brad Schimel, backed by Republicans, against Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, supported by Democrats, for a crucial seat that will determine the ideological control of the state's highest court [2].

Campaign spending reached nearly $99 million according to the Brennan Center for Justice, shattering previous records for judicial elections. Tech billionaire Elon Musk emerged as a major player, contributing $3 million directly to Schimel's campaign while affiliated groups provided an additional $18 million [3].

The winner will serve a 10-year term replacing retiring Justice Ann Walsh Bradley. The outcome will either maintain the court's current 4-3 liberal majority or shift it to conservative control [2].

Key issues likely to come before the court include abortion access, public sector unions, voting rules, and congressional district boundaries. The court may also play a crucial role in future election disputes in this battleground state [1].

Despite some weather-related polling place relocations in northern Wisconsin and brief power outages in Green Bay, state election officials reported no major voting issues during the day [3].