The forthcoming Supreme Court race in Wisconsin is reaching its final stages and is already making history as the most costly judicial election in the country. The contest on April 1 features liberal Dane County Judge Susan Crawford and conservative Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel, attracting millions in external funding, notably from billionaire Elon Musk, who is spearheading efforts to reduce the federal government’s size. This election, occurring after Donald Trump’s return to the White House, will gauge voter sentiment toward his second term, testing the electorate’s mood and party enthusiasm in a pivotal battleground state.
Key Points to Note About the Race:
What’s at Stake?
The outcome of the April 1 vote will decide if liberals retain control of Wisconsin’s highest court, pivotal for ruling on significant cases such as one regarding a 1849 law potentially outlawing abortion, as well as matters concerning public sector unions’ collective bargaining rights and voting regulations. The court’s composition could significantly impact the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election in this battleground state. It may oversee challenges to the state’s congressional maps, potentially altering power dynamics in Washington if redrawn significantly. Beyond local concerns, this race serves as a litmus test for Democratic energy leading into the midterms, and Republicans’ performance without Trump on the ballot, providing a glimpse into both parties’ strategies for upcoming elections.
Financial Spending:
A substantial $73 million has been poured into the race, as per the Brennan Center for Justice, surpassing the previous record set in 2023. Musk stands out as the largest spender, with groups linked to him contributing over $14 million to boost Schimel’s campaign. Crawford has garnered support from billionaires like George Soros and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
Campaign Strategies:
Schimel’s supporters, emphasizing his Republican ties and former role as attorney general, align their campaign closely with Trump. They portray the race as an opportunity for Trump’s loyal base to support his agenda and counter perceived liberal judicial interference. Musk’s America PAC mailers feature Trump prominently, rallying for his cause and warning against Crawford impeding his agenda.
Overall, the Wisconsin Supreme Court race presents a significant moment in state politics, highlighting key issues and setting the stage for future electoral dynamics.
On Friday night, the conservative candidate aligned himself with the president, posing with a large Trump inflatable and appearing on stage with the president’s eldest son at a rally to mobilize voters. In contrast, Democrats are aiming to harness their supporters’ anger by framing the election as an opportunity to challenge the influence of Musk. During a recent debate, Crawford frequently referenced Musk, even dubbing her opponent “Elon Schimel.” The state Democratic Party has labeled the contest as “The People v. Musk” and organized anti-Musk events, including town halls featuring Tim Walz, a former vice presidential candidate. Billboards portraying Musk as Schimel’s puppeteer urge voters not to let Musk control the Supreme Court. The outcome of the election is uncertain, with both sides acknowledging a tight race that will hinge on voter turnout in a non-presidential election year. Wisconsin is known for its evenly split electorate, with Trump narrowly winning by less than a percentage point in the previous election, which saw a liberal victory by over 10 points in 2023, marking the first time in 15 years that liberals gained control of the court.
