Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Becomes Crucial Test for Trump and Musk Influence

Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Becomes Crucial Test for Trump and Musk Influence

MADISON, WI – Wisconsin voters are heading to the polls to make a pivotal decision regarding the future control of their state Supreme Court. This election will determine whether conservatives or liberals will dominate the key Midwestern battleground state’s judiciary. The new majority on the court will likely influence vital issues such as congressional redistricting, voting rights, labor laws, and abortion access.

In an unexpected turn, this contest has transformed into a referendum on the political tactics and strategies of President Donald Trump during the early phases of his second term. The high stakes of this election are magnified by an unprecedented influx of funding from political organizations aligned with both major parties, making it the costliest judicial election in U.S. history.

Adding further intrigue to the race is Elon Musk, President Trump’s prominent financial supporter and adviser, who has emerged as a driving force behind the conservative candidate, Brad Schimel. Although neither Trump nor Musk is on the ballot, their influence looms large over the proceedings.

The Billionaire’s Bold Moves in Wisconsin

Musk, recognized as the world’s richest person and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been proactively shaping government efficiency initiatives under Trump’s administration. His substantial investment of approximately $20 million in the Wisconsin election supports Schimel, a conservative former state attorney general and current circuit court judge.

In a controversial gambit, Musk distributed $1 million checks to voters at a recent rally in Green Bay. These individuals had already cast their ballots and signed a petition against what Musk termed “activist judges.” The Democratic state attorney general attempted to block these payments through a lawsuit, but the state Supreme Court declined to intervene.

During the rally, Musk commented that his donations generated significant media coverage, stating, ‘It causes the legacy media to, like, kinda lose their minds. And then they’ll run it on every news channel. It would cost, like, 10 times more … to get the kind of coverage that it gets.’

Musk’s Vision for the Future of Wisconsin

Musk has described this election as a critical juncture for advancing Trump’s political agenda. He argued that it holds monumental implications for the future of civilization, asserting, ‘I think this will be important for the future of civilization. It’s that significant.’

Yet Musk is not the only high-profile donor injecting significant resources into this election. Shipping magnates Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein, among the most substantial conservative contributors in America, have also heavily funded Schimel’s campaign.

While Schimel acknowledges the scale of external funding, he emphasizes his focus on Wisconsin’s core issues. He expressed, ‘If they want to make it a referendum on the president or Elon Musk, so be it. This is a referendum on Wisconsin. Can we restore objectivity to the Wisconsin Supreme Court?’

Schimel’s Strategy and Trump’s Backing

Schimel’s campaign came to fruition over the last 16 months, capitalizing on Trump’s endorsement. Television advertisements in the final stretch of the campaign promoted the idea that voting for Schimel aligns with upholding Trump’s vision. Furthermore, Schimel has notably worn a ‘Make America Great Again’ hat at various campaign events.

Throughout the last stages of his campaign, Schimel has made a substantial push to connect with voters, conducting six to eight rallies daily throughout the state. He remarked on the impressive turnout, stating, ‘We are doing 6-8 rallies every single day in cities across the state.’ He underscored the vital importance of voter mobilization.

The Rising Challenge from the Left

On the opposing side is Dane County Circuit Court Judge Susan Crawford, who represents the liberal stance in the election. She has seen a surge in fundraising driven by an energized base determined to oppose Trump and the GOP. ‘People are really motivated and want to make sure that we protect the Wisconsin Supreme Court,’ Crawford noted after a rally in Madison.

Crawford criticized Musk’s involvement, asserting that ‘this election is going to determine all of our fundamental rights and freedoms. Voters don’t want to see some outsider, some billionaire, come in and try to buy a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.’

Crawford has benefited from approximately $2 million in contributions from left-leaning financiers, including George Soros, whose funding often ignites controversy among conservative circles. Additionally, Illinois’ billionaire Governor JB Pritzker has made significant donations supporting Crawford.

Competition for Control of the Court

Reflecting on the competitive landscape, Crawford stated, ‘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 are vying to succeed Ann Walsh Bradley, who has held a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court for nearly thirty years. The outcome of this election is crucial in determining whether the court shifts from its current liberal majority of 4-3 to a conservative tilt.

An Engaged Electorate

The election has drawn notable political figures to Wisconsin, including progressive senator Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump Jr. The anticipation surrounding this election reflects its significance, with early voting showing a more than 50% increase compared to the previous state Supreme Court election held in 2023.

Importantly, Wisconsin does not register voters by party affiliation, making it difficult to ascertain the exact number of ballots cast by Democrats versus Republicans.

The unfolding events in Wisconsin provide a crucial snapshot of national political trends as voters prepare to express their views on the influence of conservative billionaires and the policies of the Trump administration. As this historic election day unfolds, all eyes will be on the Badger State.