Can a damaged dishwasher heating element break something else?

A piece of plastic melted on our dishwasher (66515113K216) heating element, and within a few weeks the heating element failed at that spot. We ran it for a few more months before I ordered the replacement part.

Once installed, the new heating element didn’t work. I can’t imagine multiple things failed at once, unless the fault in the old heating element may have “blown” something else.

I replaced the high limit thermostat as it seemed like the most likely culprit, but no joy.

Before I go and replace every part in this dang thing, I’d like to apply a method to my madness. I do have a multimeter, and both new parts seem to conduct just fine (as does the original high limit thermostat, dangit).

Thanks!