In late 2007, she was named administrator of the Division of Enforcement and Science in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,[8] where she oversaw some of the state's implementation of stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Two years later, Crawford was named a partner in the law firm, with a practice focused on civil litigation and regulatory proceedings.

[10] While working at Pines Bach, Crawford remained active as a lawyer for liberal causes, representing at various times the League of Women Voters, the state Superintendent Tony Evers, and the Madison teachers' union.

[11] In 2018, Crawford made her first bid for elected office, running for an open Wisconsin circuit court judgeship in Dane County.

In the election, she faced Marilyn Townsend, a municipal judge for the village of Shorewood Hills who had run unsuccessfully for another circuit judgeship the prior year.

In campaigning for the office, Crawford focused on her extensive experience with litigation and her past work in defense of unions, public education, and women's rights.

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.