Susan Crawford: Education, Career, and Path to the Wisconsin Supreme Court
Susan Crawford is a prominent figure in Wisconsin's legal landscape, currently serving as a Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Her journey to this position is marked by a diverse educational background and extensive professional experience in both the public and private sectors. This article explores Crawford's educational foundation, career trajectory, and key aspects of her legal philosophy.
Early Life and Education
Susan Crawford's roots are in Wisconsin, where she grew up in Chippewa Falls. This early exposure to the state shaped her understanding of Wisconsin's communities and their needs. Crawford graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1983.
Her pursuit of higher education led her to Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, where she earned her bachelor's degree in English in 1987. She continued her studies at Indiana University, obtaining a master's degree in English in 1989. Crawford then entered the University of Iowa College of Law, where she earned her J.D.
Early Career and Legal Experience
Crawford's legal career began as an assistant attorney general in the Iowa Department of Justice after being admitted to the bar in Iowa in early 1995. She then served as an assistant attorney general at the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Her career in public service continued as she worked for a number of other state agencies during then-Governor Jim Doyle's second term, including the Department of Corrections and Department of Natural Resources, where she served as administrator of the Office of Enforcement and Science.
After Doyle left office, Crawford resumed her legal career with the Madison firm Cullen Weston Pines & Bach, which later became Pines Bach LLP, focusing on civil litigation and regulatory proceedings.
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Election to the Circuit Court
In 2018, Crawford made her first bid for elected office, running for an open Wisconsin circuit court judgeship in Dane County. She was quickly endorsed by several of the other Dane County judges. She faced Marilyn Townsend, a municipal judge for the village of Shorewood Hills who had run unsuccessfully for another circuit judgeship the prior year. Crawford was first elected Wisconsin circuit judge in Dane County in 2018.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Election
In 2024, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley announced she would not run for re-election in 2025. Wide speculation followed her announcement about which other state judges would jump into the race. Crawford announced her candidacy in June 2024 and was quickly endorsed by all four liberal justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, including the retiring Bradley. Only one other candidate filed to run, eliminating the need for a primary. On April 1, 2025, Crawford won in the general election for judge of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and assumed office on August 1, 2025. Her current term ends on July 31, 2035.
Crawford's election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court was notable for several reasons. The election was the most expensive judicial race in United States history up to that time. Fundraising was a major topic in the campaign. In January 2025, Crawford's opponents accused her of being partisan for attending a briefing linked to Democratic donors. Crawford received over one million dollars in campaign donations from billionaire George Soros. Crawford's sentencing record was a major target for opposition PACs, specifically over a 2019 sexual assault where she sentenced the defendant to less than the prosecution's request. Despite the controversies, Crawford prevailed in the April 1 election, receiving roughly 55% of the vote.
Political Affiliations and Endorsements
Crawford's endorsements include the state Democratic Party, the Wisconsin Education Association Council, Wisconsin AFL-CIO, Wisconsin Conservation Voters, EMILYs List, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin and several labor unions. She is also backed by each of the court's liberal justices: Ann Walsh Bradley, whose retirement created the vacancy in the seat that's up for election, Rebecca Dallet, Jill Karofsky and Janet Protasiewicz. While Schimel has touted endorsements from dozens of Wisconsin sheriffs, Crawford is endorsed by Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett and Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball, plus retired sheriffs from Dane, Green and Chippewa counties.
Stance on Key Issues
Crawford has been clear about her stance on several key issues. She called the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade "wrong" and has said she "fought for abortion rights." Asked whether she would call herself "pro-choice," Crawford told the Journal Sentinel she supposed that was accurate, but that she doesn't tend to use the term because of its policy implications and the way it's been politicized. "I approach it more from a common sense, like what do women need to make sure that they're safe and that their families are safe?" she said. "It's about self-determination, it's about being able to make your own choices for yourself."
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Crawford previously represented the League of Women Voters in trying to block the state law that requires voters to show photo ID, comparing the law to a poll tax. While running for Dane County court in 2018, she called the law "draconian." Crawford has been quieter on voter ID since launching her Supreme Court campaign, saying she doesn't take positions on issues that could land before the high court.
Crawford's Judicial Philosophy
Crawford views the law as a tool to help people, solve problems, and structure society. She also emphasized the importance of respecting precedent and criticized the United States Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision for overturning Roe v.
Crawford also detailed an instance when she knew someone on a circuit court case and removed herself from the case to remain impartial. “If I felt that I had some personal stake or bias, I would not sit on the case. I think that is a basis to recuse,” Crawford said. Additionally, Crawford said she has attended personal trainings to examine the personal biases she brings to her decisions, including one with Mosely.
Personal Life
Crawford and her husband, Shawn, live in Madison and have two adult children.
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