Wisconsin voters began casting their ballots this week in a high-stakes state Supreme Court election that has become a microcosm of the nation’s political battles—one supercharged by record-breaking spending from deep-pocketed donors, including billionaire Elon Musk.
Why It Matters
The contest between Republican-backed Brad Schimel and Democratic-supported Susan Crawford has drawn national attention, with millions pouring in from both conservative and liberal megadonors. At stake: the ideological balance of the court, which could soon weigh in on pivotal cases involving abortion, voting rights, immigration, and even former President Donald Trump‘s political future.
AP Photo/Morry Gash
A Proxy War for National Politics
With early voting underway, Wisconsin residents voiced concerns over how national interests are influencing the race. Some voters cited the court’s potential role in abortion rights and election laws, while others decried the flood of outside money swaying a state-level judicial contest.
Maggie Freespirit, 58, a retired electrician from Madison said she voted for Crawford because she knows the Democratic-backed candidate will support abortion rights.
“I’m still amazed at how many people are supporting what the Republicans are doing,” she told The Associated Press.
In heavily Republican Waukesha, 72-year-old Steve Ravely said he backed Schimel because of his stance on immigration and the economy.
“He’s in line with everything I believe with the border, following the Constitution,” Ravely told the AP after casting his vote. He also voiced concerns about liberal megadonor George Soros‘ influence, saying, “I’m deathly afraid of Soros. Why he butts his nose into our elections is beyond me.”
What to Know
The election has shattered spending records, with an estimated $59 million poured into the race, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. That sum surpasses the previous record set in Wisconsin’s 2023 Supreme Court race, and spending is expected to climb in the final weeks.
Musk-affiliated groups alone have funneled over $11 million into efforts supporting Schimel. Conservative activists, including Donald Trump Jr. and Charlie Kirk, held a rally Monday night to galvanize Republican voters, underscoring the national stakes for Trump allies.
On the Democratic side, billionaire donors like Soros and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker are bankrolling efforts to propel Crawford to victory.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee last year, held a town hall Tuesday evening in Wisconsin aimed at countering Musk’s influence.
“We have to take this like you do cleaning the house or whatever, one chunk at a time,” he said. “And America’s first chunk of cleaning is the Wisconsin Supreme Court, April 1.”
Meanwhile, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder joined Milwaukee activists in urging Black voters to turn out early.
Angela Lang, executive director of Black Leaders Organizing Communities, emphasized that while national right-wing figures were parachuting into Wisconsin, her group had built trust through consistent engagement.
“Whether there’s an election or not, we are still knocking on doors,” Lang said. “We actually are a part of the community that we organize. It feels like it hits a little bit different.”
Musk’s Shadow Looms Over the Race
The influx of Musk-backed funding has sparked concerns among some voters, particularly in Milwaukee. Ellen Gilligan, 71, who voted for Crawford, warned that Musk’s financial muscle “could unfairly tip the scales.”
Another voter, Eileen Anthony, echoed her sentiment: “It’s just wrong.”
The race is also seen as a referendum on Trump’s turbulent return to the White House. Musk, whose newly created Department of Government Efficiency has slashed federal agencies and laid off thousands, has become an unexpected power broker in the race. Crawford has leaned into that narrative, dubbing her opponent “Elon Schimel” and accusing the Tesla and SpaceX CEO of hijacking Schimel’s campaign.
Musk’s groups began spending days after Tesla sued Wisconsin over a decision blocking it from opening dealerships in the state. That case could end up before the state Supreme Court.
Schimel Embraces Trump, Musk Ties
Schimel has welcomed Trump’s endorsement and stood alongside the president’s allies at campaign stops. At a Milwaukee Rotary Club event Tuesday, Schimel downplayed concerns over Musk’s backing, arguing that Trump’s support “could help me get my message out to voters who don’t vote in every election.”
His appearance at a weekend “Mega MAGA” rally, where he posed in front of an oversized inflatable Trump holding a “Vote Brad Schimel Supreme Court” sign, sent a clear message about where he stands.
A Pivotal Vote for Wisconsin—and the Nation
As the race enters its final stretch, both sides are doubling down on turnout efforts. Musk-backed groups are flooding the state with flyers urging voters to “protect Trump’s agenda” by electing Schimel. Meanwhile, Crawford’s supporters are mobilizing Democratic voters by framing the election as a battle against right-wing billionaire influence.
With control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court—and potentially, the rules governing the 2028 presidential election—on the line, this judicial race has become an unlikely battleground for the future of American politics.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
