Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Attracts National Attention, Sparks Billionaire Battle
Wisconsin’s upcoming Supreme Court election on April 1st has transformed into a high-stakes showdown, drawing national figures, unprecedented funding, and intense political maneuvering. The race between Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel and Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford has become the most expensive judicial contest in the nation, fueled by significant investments from billionaires and political organizations across the ideological spectrum.
The election pits Schimel, a Republican-backed former Wisconsin attorney general, against Crawford, who has garnered support from the Democratic Party. The winner will secure a 10-year term on the state’s Supreme Court, wielding significant influence over Wisconsin’s legal landscape and potentially shaping the state’s political future.
Partisan Divide Intensifies
The race has ignited partisan passions, with both sides framing the election as a critical battle for the soul of Wisconsin. Republicans and conservatives emphasize the importance of upholding the Constitution, preserving public safety, and preventing a liberal takeover of the court. Democrats, meanwhile, warn against the influence of wealthy donors and accuse Republicans of attempting to undermine democratic principles.
Donald Trump Jr. recently headlined a Turning Point Action town hall in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, alongside Turning Point President and Co-Founder Charlie Kirk. The organization has launched a voter turnout operation to bolster Schimel’s candidacy, emphasizing the importance of electing conservative leaders to safeguard the state’s future.
Kirk warned Wisconsin voters that the Supreme Court race could "tip the scales of the entire future of the Republic," urging them to "save our court in order to save this great state of Wisconsin."
DNC Mobilizes Support for Crawford
In response, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has launched a coordinated campaign to support Crawford, deploying thousands of volunteers and hosting text and phone banks. DNC Chair Ken Martin has fiercely criticized Elon Musk’s financial involvement in the election, accusing him of attempting to "buy" the election and asserting that "Wisconsin is not for sale."
Martin cited concerns raised by voters about the undue influence of billionaires on government and elections, emphasizing the importance of grassroots organizing to counter right-wing money.
Billionaire Influence Under Scrutiny
The election’s unprecedented fundraising has drawn intense scrutiny to the role of wealthy donors in shaping judicial races. Campaign finance reports reveal substantial investments from figures like Musk, who has supported Schimel, and George Soros, who has contributed to Crawford’s campaign.
Sen. Bernie Sanders denounced Musk’s donations to Schimel during a stop in Wisconsin, accusing him of promoting an oligarchy. The Wisconsin Democratic Party has also responded with a $2 million donation to Crawford, including $1 million from Soros.
The Stakes for Wisconsin’s Future
The outcome of the election carries significant implications for Wisconsin’s political trajectory. A win for Schimel would shift the court’s balance to a conservative majority, while a win for Crawford would maintain the current liberal majority.
Former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker warned that a Crawford victory could lead to gerrymandering that would benefit Democrats and hinder President Trump’s agenda. He emphasized the importance of electing Schimel to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the state.
Trump Jr. echoed Walker’s concerns, accusing Democrats of attempting to "negate" the election and urging conservatives to remain vigilant and engaged in the political process.
A Bellwether for Future Elections
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is being closely watched as a potential bellwether for upcoming elections in 2025 and the midterm elections in 2026. The outcome could provide valuable insights into public sentiment during Trump’s first few months back in the White House.
Gov. Tim Walz and Wisconsin Democrats are holding a "People v. Musk" town hall in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, underscoring the Democrats’ focus on countering the influence of wealthy donors.
With early voting underway, the race is poised to intensify further in the coming days. The outcome will not only determine the balance of power on Wisconsin’s Supreme Court but also provide a glimpse into the political landscape ahead.
