Midwest
Liberal wins first major 2025 statewide battleground election in race turned into Trump-Musk referendum
PAWAUKEE, Wis. — The liberal-leaning candidate won a high-profile and historically expensive election in Wisconsin on Tuesday, protecting progressive majority control of the battleground state’s Supreme Court, which is likely to rule on crucial issues like congressional redistricting, voting and labor rights, and abortion.
Dane County Circuit Court Judge Susan Crawford defeated Brad Schimel, a former state attorney general who currently serves as a state circuit court judge in Waukesha County. Schimel, the conservative-aligned candidate in the race, was endorsed by President Donald Trump.
With a massive infusion of money from Democrat-aligned and Republican-aligned groups from outside Wisconsin, which turned the race into the most expensive judicial election in the nation’s history, the contest partially transformed into a referendum on Trump’s sweeping and controversial moves during the opening months of his second tour of duty in the White House.
Also front and center in the electoral showdown was someone who, along with Trump, was not on the ballot: billionaire Elon Musk, the president’s top donor and White House adviser.
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Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford waves during her election night party after winning the election Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf) (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
“I never could have imagined that I’d be taking on the richest man in the world, for justice in Wisconsin. And we won,” Crawford said in her victory speech, in her home base of Madison, Wisconsin.
And pushing back against her critics, Crawford said “my promise to Wisconsin is clear. I will be a fair, impartial, and commonsense justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.”
Schimel conceded minutes after the Associated Press called the race, telling supporters in suburban Milwuakee that he had spoke to Crawford and that “the numbers aren’t going to turn around and we’re not going to pull this off.”
“We’ll get up to fight another day. But this wasn’t our day,” he added.
Musk, the chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX, who has taken a buzz saw to the federal government workforce as he steers Trump’s recently created Department of Government Efficiency, dished out roughly $20 million in the Wisconsin race through aligned groups in support of Schimel.
And Musk, in a controversial move, handed out $1 million checks at a rally in Green Bay on Sunday evening to two Wisconsin voters who had already cast ballots in the contest and had signed a petition to stop “activist judges.”
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Wisconsin’s Democrat state attorney general sued to block the payments, but the state Supreme Court refused to weigh in.
Elon Musk speaks during a town hall on Sunday, March 30, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
Calling the election a “super big deal,” Musk said it was critical to the Trump agenda.
“I think this will be important for the future of civilization,” he said. “It’s that significant.”
Musk wasn’t the only mega-donor on the right playing in the Wisconsin showdown.
Shipping magnates Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein, who are among the biggest conservative contributors in the nation, also provided millions in support of Schimel and the Wisconsin GOP.
“If you told me six months ago this was what was going to happen, I would not have believed it. But yeah … some parts of this are way beyond my control anymore,” Schimel said in a Fox News Digital interview during a bus tour stop Monday just outside Green Bay.
Schimel, who launched his bid 16 months ago, added that “other people can treat this how they want. If they think they want to make it a referendum on the president or Elon Musk, so be it.”
“This is a referendum on Wisconsin,” he said. “Can we restore objectivity to the Wisconsin Supreme Court?”
BIG-MONEY WI HIGH COURT RACE WILL HAVE NATIONAL EFFECTS, AS REDISTRICTING, UNIONS, TRANS ISSUES AT STAKE
Schimel also leaned in to the endorsement from Trump. A TV ad running in the closing stretch of the race spotlighted that voting for Schimel would protect Trump’s agenda. The candidate also wore a “Make America Great Again” hat at some campaign stops during the final weekend ahead of the election.
Judge Brad Schimel, the conservative-leaning candidate in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election, speaks to Republican activists in Bellevue, Wis., on March 31, 2025. (Fox News – Paul Steihhauser)
Schimel spotlighted his final blitz to reach out to voters.
“We are doing six to eight rallies every single day in cities across the state,” he said. “People are turning out in huge numbers, and we’ve got other surrogates going out around the state where we’re not, doing the exact same thing. It’s absolutely about getting those voters out.”
And Schimel also got a boost from the conservative powerhouse organization Americans for Prosperity. The group said its grassroots army has connected with nearly 600,000 voters in Wisconsin since last November’s election.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before signing an executive order in the Oval Office on March 31, 2025. (Pool via AP)
Trump, who narrowly carried Wisconsin in both of his White House victories, said the state is important because its Supreme Court can settle disputes over election outcomes.
“Wisconsin’s a big state politically, and the Supreme Court has a lot to do with elections in Wisconsin,” the president said Monday at the White House. “Winning Wisconsin’s a big deal, so, therefore, the Supreme Court choice … it’s a big race.”
Schimel’s camp and other conservatives repeatedly argued that a continuation of the liberal majority on Wisconsin’s high court could lead to unfavorable congressional redistricting in the state, which could spell doom for two Republican lawmakers: Reps. Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil, chair of the House Administration Committee.
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Asked about the conservatives shining a spotlight on potential congressional redistricting, Crawford told reporters on Monday that “it’s just not appropriate for me as a judge to express a view on that, especially on an issue that someday could come before the Wisconsin Supreme Court again. That’s why I don’t speak to the issue.”
Judge Susan Crawford, the liberal-leaning candidate in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election, speaks at a rally in Madison, Wis., on March 31, 2025. (Fox News – Paul Steinhauser)
Tuesday’s election was the first statewide contest held since Trump returned to the White House, and it was an opportunity for plenty of voters to vent against the president and his policies.
Crawford enjoyed a surge in fundraising, thanks in part to an energized base eager to resist Trump and Republicans.
“People are really motivated and want to make sure that we protect the Wisconsin Supreme Court,” Crawford said in a Fox News Digital interview after a rally in Madison on the eve of the election.
BATTLEGROUND STATE SHOWDOWN: DEMOCRATS TARGET ELON MUSK
Crawford argued that voters “don’t want to see some outsider, some billionaire, come in and try to buy a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which is what Elon Musk is trying to do.”
At her rally, Crawford said “this election is going to determine all of our fundamental rights and freedoms.”
But Crawford also benefited from outside money, with roughly $2 million infused into the race by left-leaning financier George Soros, long a boogeyman of the right. Billionaire progressive Gov. JB Pritzker of neighboring Illinois has also spent big bucks in the race to support Crawford.
Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates Brad Schimel and Susan Crawford participate in a debate in Milwaukee on March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
“I have gotten some generous contributions, and we’ve raised a lot of money in this race,” she told Fox News. “But just to put that in perspective, in the last two months, Elon Musk has spent more than we have raised over the 10 months of this entire campaign, so his spending dwarfs that of any individual in any state supreme court ever and certainly one in Wisconsin.”
Crawford and Schimel were battling to succeed liberal-leaning justice Ann Walsh Bradley, who has served on Wisconsin’s highest court for nearly three decades. Liberal-aligned justices held a 4-3 majority on the state Supreme Court heading into Tuesday’s election.
The showdown drew some top surrogates to Wisconsin, including progressive champion Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and MAGA star Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son.
The Democratic National Committee, in a statement following Crawford’s victory, took aim at Musk.
“Make no mistake: Americans don’t want Elon Musk running their federal government and they don’t want him buying their local elections,” the DNC argued.
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Illinois
State Hemp Policy Update: Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, and Virginia | U.S. Hemp Roundtable
Indiana man surprised with free dental work in Pontiac
Jeremiah Johnson has experienced a tumultuous life that has taken him through tragedy, rehab, and prison before getting back on his feet. An avid fisherman, he thought he was visiting Michigan to just go angling. Instead, he was surprised with $10,000 in free dental work.
(FOX 2) – Jeremiah Johnson thought he was coming to Michigan to fish.
After all, the Indiana native is quite the angler. And fortunately for him, he did net a new catch in Crescent Lake. However, his visit to Southeast Michigan was about much more than casting a line.
Afterward, a heartwarming surprise awaited him in the form of $10,000 in free dental work.
Big picture view:
Johnson wore a blindfold as he was walked up to Royal Chiropractic and Dental Center in Pontiac on June 11. Organized by Bassquatch Hunter host Mike McKinstry, he guided Johnson to the surprise — as well as the latest stage of redemption.
Johnson lost his brother at a young age, catalyzing a fall into addiction and eventually incarceration.
“I lost my twin brother when I was really young, went down some dark roads, became an addict then ended up in and out of jail, in and out of rehabs,” he said. “Finally, ended up going to prison, did a few years in prison and came home and met a woman, changed everything, made a family.”
But even as he worked to recover and build a new life, he did so with significant dental issues and missing teeth.
Over the next two weeks, he’ll receive a full slate of dentistry.
“This was supposed to be a fishing trip, which we did get to fish, but then a huge surprise at the end,” he said. “To be able to smile and talk to people without having to worry about how they perceive me.”
Mike McKinstry and Jeremiah Johnson outside Royal Chiropractic and Dental Center in Pontiac.
The Source: Interviews done at Royal Chiropractic and Clinic in Pontiac were cited for this story.
The Des Moines metro is in the midst of a growth spurt, and this time the momentum is coming from its restaurants. From brunch powerhouses expanding into new neighborhoods to fast-casual outlets adding suburban outposts, the region’s dining scene is stretching in every direction.
The latest wave includes breakfast spots, Mediterranean eateries, fried chicken specialists, Japanese and national brands making an expanded push into central Iowa. Combined, these new restaurant openings show how the suburbs are becoming dining destinations, while established corridors in Des Moines continue to attract fresh concepts.
Discover some of the latest additions and what they serve, where they opened and why they matter, as well as a snapshot of restaurants still on their way.
The Breakfast Club opens in Waukee
The Breakfast Club continues its metro expansion with a bright, energetic new location in Waukee, bringing its signature lineup of playful brunch dishes to the fast‑growing Kettlestone district. Known for over‑the‑top pancakes, boozy brunch cocktails, and colorful, social‑media‑ready plating, the restaurant builds on the success of its four Des Moines metro locations with a space designed for families, brunch groups and weekday regulars. The Waukee restaurant opened June 6 and operates daily from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., serving staples such as breakfast burritos, Benedicts, scrambles and its popular mimosa flights. The new build features modern finishes, cheeky decor and plenty of natural light.
Details: 2285 Grand Prairie Parkway, Waukee, 515-978-9333, thebreakfastclubusa.com/waukee-kettlestone-central.
The Breakfast Club moves in the East Village
Breakfast Club’s move of its original location to a new space in the East Village marks a major shift for the brunch brand as it relocated to a high‑visibility corner at 418 E. Grand Ave. on June 12. The new space gives the restaurant more room for its lively brunch crowds while keeping the same playful menu that helped it grow. Customers can expect the full lineup of indulgent breakfast plates, stuffed French toast, oversized cinnamon rolls and brunch cocktails that have become the restaurant’s signature.
Details: 418 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, 515-528-7836, thebreakfastclubusa.com.
The Green Olive expands in Des Moines
Green Olive has officially opened its newest Des Moines location, expanding its Mediterranean footprint with a menu built around shawarma, gyros, falafel, kabobs and fresh‑baked pita. The restaurant, now at three metro locations, focuses on fast‑casual service with generous portions and scratch‑made sauces, including its popular garlic sauce and tahini. The new location opened on May 19 and features a bright, modern interior with counter service, ample seating and quick turnaround for breakfast through dinner crowds. Green Olive has built a loyal following for its customizable platters, family‑style meals and vegetarian‑friendly options, making it a reliable stop for diners seeking Mediterranean flavors at an accessible price point.
Details: 520 S.W. Ninth St., Suite 116, Des Moines, 515-635-7770, thegreenoliveiowa.com.
Bubbie’s BBQ debuts in West Des Moines
Bubbie’s BBQ has expanded to West Des Moines with a new location serving its signature lineup of smoked meats, hearty sandwiches and homestyle sides. The restaurant, now with three metro locations, blends Midwestern comfort food with classic barbecue flavors, offering brisket, pastrami, turkey and rotating specials. The West Des Moines restaurant opened June 8 at 1510 Mills Civic Parkway and features both dine-in and carry-out service, with lunch hours from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. The space offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with counter service and quick turnaround for busy weeknights. Bubbie’s continues to build a following for its generous portions, approachable price point and scratch-made sides like mac and cheese, potato salad and coleslaw.
Details: 1510 Mills Civic Pkwy., Suite 100, West Des Moines, 515-348-8025, bubbies-bbq.com.
Izumi Sushi & Hibachi plans an Ankeny location
This all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant with a hibachi grill to boot plans a new location in Ankeny with lunch specials daily and teriyaki, udon, soba noodles, curry and tempura dishes. The restaurant offers a kids’ menu, gluten-free dishes and bento boxes. The Izumi location just south of Costco will anchor the west side of a new 17,930-square-foot, multi-tenant building that is under construction. The chain has locations in Clive, Davenport, Waterloo and North Liberty.
Details: 1950 N.E. 36th St., Ankeny
Flip’N Jacks Pancake House & Eatery comes to Des Moines
The breakfast and lunch specialist with locations in Ames, Ankeny and Altoona added a fourth location in Des Moines in the Southgate Shopping Center. Known for oversized pancakes, hearty omelets and classic diner comfort food, the restaurant features a family-friendly space designed for quick service and approachable pricing. Flip’N Jacks has built a reputation for generous portions and a menu that leans into nostalgia. Think skillets, waffles, burgers and melts, served in a bright, casual setting.
Details: 3411 S.E. 14th St., Des Moines, flipnjacks.com.
Charlotte’s Kitchen heads to Waukee
Charlotte’s Kitchen is expanding west with a new Waukee location slated to open in September or October 2026, bringing its popular fried chicken sandwiches, tenders and comfort‑food sides to one of the metro’s fastest‑growing suburbs. The restaurant, which currently operates three metro locations and a food truck, has built a strong following for its crispy chicken, house‑made sauces and rotating specials. The Waukee expansion will offer both dine‑in and carry‑out service, with a menu centered on its signature sandwiches, loaded fries and family‑friendly combo meals.
Details: 1165 S.E. University Ave., Waukee, charlotteskitchendsm.com.
The Station brings a second location to Urbandale
The Station is set to expand with a new Urbandale location opening late this summer at 4810 86th St., the former home of the Beerhouse, which closed in February after 11 years. The Station, known for its neighborhood bar feel, approachable menu and sports-friendly atmosphere, adds its second location, with a space designed for casual dining, gameday gatherings and family-friendly service. The menu is expected to include burgers, wraps, appetizers and pub-style comfort food, along with a full bar and ample TVs.
Details: 4810 86th St., Urbandale, facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590189280833
Mullets expands to Waukee
Mullets expands its footprint with a Waukee location opening in late July or early August. The original breakfast-and-lunch restaurant opened at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers in June 2010, with views of downtown Des Moines and Principal Park. John Royer bought Mullets in 2016 from the Des Moines restaurant operators Full Court Press and began franchising locations, with the 2024 opening of Mullets in Ankeny. Mullets is best known for hearty, Iowa-style American breakfast and brunch, along with bar-and-grill staples. The menu includes classic breakfast plates such as biscuits and gravy, pancakes and omelets; signature comfort dishes like chicken and waffles, country-fried steak breakfast and a variety of breakfast burritos; breakfast nachos, specialty hash brown plates and eggs Benedict; and sandwiches, po’boys, burgers and some pub-style fare.
This location plans to be open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Details: 1105 S.E. Pleasant View Drive, Waukee, facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587667092517.
Bonchon is expanding to Ankeny and Ames
Bonchon, the global Korean fried chicken chain known for its ultra-crispy double-fried wings and signature soy garlic and spicy sauces, is planning two new Iowa locations in Ankeny and Ames. The expansion will mark the brand’s expansion of its internationally recognized menu to central Iowa diners. Bonchon currently operates in West Des Moines, debuting in April, and the Ankeny and Ames restaurants will feature its full lineup of wings, drumsticks, Korean street food appetizers, fried rice and noodle dishes. Both locations are in the planning stages, with opening timelines to be announced.
Qdoba Mexican Eats expands to West Des Moines
The Mexican chain opens a second Des Moines metro location for fast-casual breakfast burritos, steak bowls, quesadillas, tacos and salads. The original Qdoba opened on Ingersoll Avenue in 2012. Qdoba notes that toppings like three-cheese queso, guacamole and pickled red onions are free. The West Des Moines location opens on June 23.
Details: 6305 Mills Civic Pkwy., West Des Moines, qdoba.com.
Dutch Bros Coffee
Dutch Bros Coffee is making its way into the Des Moines metro, preparing to launch its first wave of Iowa locations as its famously loyal “Dutch Mafia’’ fans eagerly await opening day. The first location opens in Des Moines this summer, according to a publicist with Dutch Bros.
Since the first location was confirmed last October, the list of planned shops has expanded rapidly — now totaling at least seven across central Iowa — as the high-energy, drive-thru chain gears up for its debut in the Hawkeye State.
The first confirmed Dutch Bros is taking over the former Fazoli’s at 4800 S.E. 14th St., transforming the site into a 986-square-foot, drive-thru-only coffee shop. The latest seventh location is proposed at Southwest Eighth Street and MLK Parkway in Des Moines. Confirmed locations include:
- 4800 S.E. 14th St., Des Moines
- 4019 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines
- 315 N.W. 36th Drive, Ankeny
- 2459 E. Euclid Ave., Des Moines
- 440 S.E. Alice’s Road, Waukee
- 5950 Mills Civic Pkwy., West Des Moines
- Southwest Eighth Street and MLK Parkway, Des Moines
Sign up for our dining newsletter, Table Talk DSM, which comes out on Wednesday mornings with all the latest news on restaurants and bars in the metro. You can sign up for free at DesMoinesRegister.com/tabletalk.
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
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