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WAUKESHA, Wis. — A significant election outcome in Wisconsin sees a liberal candidate projected to secure a crucial seat on the state’s Supreme Court. This high-profile election, marked as one of the most expensive judicial contests in American history, plays a vital role in maintaining the progressive majority that can influence key issues such as congressional redistricting, voting rights, labor laws, and abortion policies.
The Associated Press reports that Dane County Circuit Court Judge Susan Crawford is set to defeat Brad Schimel, a former state attorney general and current Waukesha County circuit court judge endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
Financial contributions from various Democrat-aligned and Republican-aligned groups, including significant amounts from outside Wisconsin, have transformed this election into an expensive battleground. The contest has become a referendum on the controversial policies and actions of Trump during the early months of his second term in office.
Additionally, the specter of billionaire Elon Musk looms large, despite his absence from the ballot. Musk, a prominent supporter of Trump and the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, played a significant role in this electoral battle.
Musk’s Financial Influence and Controversial Strategy
Musk has reportedly contributed approximately $20 million to the Wisconsin race via aligned groups promoting Schimel’s candidacy. His actions extended beyond monetary support; Musk controversially distributed $1 million checks to voters in Green Bay who had already cast their ballots and signed a petition against what he termed “activist judges.”
While Wisconsin’s Democratic Attorney General attempted to halt the distribution of these funds, the state Supreme Court opted not to intervene, showcasing the election’s contentious dynamics.
Musk, referring to the importance of the election, stated, “I think this will be important for the future of civilization. It’s that significant.” His involvement has sparked a heated debate on the influence of major donors in state elections.
Red State Rivalries and Further Donations
Beyond Musk, other significant right-leaning donors have engaged in the race. Notable shipping magnates Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein have funneled substantial amounts into supporting Schimel and the Wisconsin Republican Party. Schimel himself acknowledged the overwhelming financial impact of outside contributions, stating, “If you told me six months ago this was what was going to happen, I wouldn’t have believed it.”
He emphasized that external forces have played a major role in shaping public perception of the election, encouraging it to be viewed as a referendum on both Trump and Musk.
Despite leaning on Trump’s endorsement, with advertisements framed around protecting Trump’s agenda, Schimel still sought to steer the conversation toward Wisconsin’s future. He urged voters to consider the election as a matter of restoring objectivity to the state’s judiciary.
The Energetic Response from the Left
Crawford’s campaign has experienced a surge in support, fueled by an energized base aimed at countering Trump’s policies. She articulated the motivation of Wisconsin voters, stressing the significance of protecting the state’s Supreme Court from external influences like Musk’s financial backing.
“This election is going to determine all of our fundamental rights and freedoms,” Crawford stated at a rally prior to the election, highlighting the stakes involved.
Financial backing for Crawford also reached impressive heights, with influential progressive figures like financier George Soros and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker contributing funds to support her candidacy.
Crawford remarked on the overwhelming nature of Musk’s financial involvement, noting, “In the last two months, Elon Musk has spent more than we have raised over the 10 months of this entire campaign.”
The race to succeed liberal justice Ann Walsh Bradley, who has served nearly three decades, continues to attract substantial national attention. With a liberal majority of 4-3 on the Wisconsin Supreme Court before this election, the stakes are notably high.
Key Figures and Energies in the Final Days
The campaign trail witnessed visits from prominent figures, including progressive advocate Senator Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of the former President. As Election Day approached, Schimel ramped up his efforts to engage voters, conducting multiple rallies daily.
Schimel stated, “We are doing six to eight rallies every single day in cities across the state.” He emphasized the significance of engaging voters through grassroots efforts to secure his chances in the election.
The implications of this race extend beyond state borders. Trump recognized Wisconsin’s pivotal role in electoral politics, noting that the state’s Supreme Court holds the key to resolving election disputes. He pointed out, “Wisconsin’s a big state politically, and the Supreme Court has a lot to do with elections in Wisconsin.”
As the final votes were cast, both candidates aimed to influence the narrative surrounding their campaigns. Schimel warned that the continuation of a liberal majority could lead to detrimental congressional redistricting affecting Republican incumbents.
In response, Crawford refrained from engaging directly with redistricting issues, asserting, “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.”
Significance of the Election
This election serves as an early barometer of public sentiment regarding Trump’s influence and governance. The results could have lasting implications for both state and national politics. As the outcomes unfold, the ideological battle lines drawn in this judicial race will likely shape future elections and policy discussions in Wisconsin and beyond.
