Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Heats Up with National Implications and Big Money

The upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election, slated for next week, has transformed into a high-stakes battle drawing national attention and substantial financial investment. Despite its officially nonpartisan nature, the election has become deeply polarized, with both Republicans and Democrats framing it as a crucial contest with far-reaching consequences for the state and potentially the nation.

At the heart of the election are two candidates: Susan Crawford, a Dane County judge considered the Democrats’ preferred choice, and Brad Schimel, a Waukesha County judge and former Wisconsin Attorney General backed by Republicans. Both candidates have attracted significant financial support from wealthy donors and national figures, turning the election into a mega-money affair.

Republicans are actively campaigning against Crawford, portraying her as a dangerously liberal judge who would legislate from the bench. They point to her support from prominent Democratic donors like George Soros and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, as well as activist groups advocating for gender-transition surgeries for minors and allowing biological men to compete in women’s sports. Republicans also allege that Crawford signaled a willingness to challenge the state’s voter ID law and participated in an event hosted by a liberal donor group aiming to unseat two U.S. House Republicans, Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, in future redistricting maps. They claim that Crawford’s election could lead to a radical shift in Wisconsin, following a similar contentious election of liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz in 2023 and Governor Tony Evers’ controversial move in the state budget.

Democrats are vigorously defending Crawford, pushing back against Republican criticisms and highlighting Schimel’s own connections to wealthy donors like Elon Musk. They accuse Republicans of attempting to mislead voters by manipulating Crawford’s likeness in campaign ads. Democrats are also attacking Schimel’s record as Attorney General, pointing to allegations that he let thousands of rape kits sit untested for years and gave a lenient plea deal to a man caught with child pornography after receiving campaign contributions from the man’s lawyer.

The financial backing for both candidates has been substantial. George Soros poured $1 million into the Wisconsin Democratic Party in February, leading to a similar transfer to Crawford’s campaign. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker contributed $500,000 to the state party, and other six-figure donations came from Lynde Uihlein, Reid Hoffman, and the mother of a Google co-founder. On the Republican side, Joe Ricketts, Liz Uihlein, and Elon Musk are among the top donors supporting Schimel. Donald Trump Jr. also held an event for Schimel.

The election has also drawn attention to national issues, with both sides attempting to link their opponents to controversial policies and ideologies. Republicans are emphasizing Crawford’s alleged support for radical gender ideology and her potential to undermine Republican-held congressional seats. Democrats are highlighting Schimel’s conservative judicial philosophy and his potential to uphold policies like former Governor Scott Walker’s Act 10 public-sector union reforms.

Schimel has criticized Crawford for purportedly offering to help turn two Republican congressional seats into Democrat congressional seats if elected to the Supreme Court. He has also discussed allegations regarding the transgender sports issue and education. Schimel said that he follows the law and does not try to legislate from the bench or make law as a judge. He added that judicial activism is a problem and should be expected if liberals have a majority on the court. He warned that if he loses, the liberals will have unchecked power for five years, and the state will be unrecognizable by the time the court can be retaken.

Crawford’s campaign spokesman, Derek Honeyman, stated that Crawford has spent her career upholding the law, protecting our freedoms, and defending the Constitution and will be fair and impartial on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

The election outcome will have significant implications for Wisconsin’s political landscape. The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in interpreting state laws and resolving disputes, and the balance of power on the court can influence decisions on issues ranging from voting rights to environmental regulations to abortion access. With the state’s redistricting maps potentially at stake, the election could also have a significant impact on the composition of the state legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives.

Senator Bernie Sanders held a "Fighting Oligarchy" event in Kenosha, where he assailed Musk’s support for Schimel. The election is now just one week away, and both sides are intensifying their efforts to mobilize voters and sway undecided individuals. With so much at stake, the Wisconsin Supreme Court election is sure to be a closely watched and fiercely contested battle. The result will not only shape the future of Wisconsin but could also reverberate across the nation.