US voters will be heading to the polls in Wisconsin and Florida on Tuesday, with elections serving as a measuring stick for Donald Trump’s popularity and the political influence of his billionaire ally, Elon Musk.
The spotlight is on a contentious race for a position on Wisconsin’s supreme court. Aiming for a conservative majority, this contest, pitting liberal judge Susan Crawford against conservative Brad Schimel, has attracted record-breaking spending, exceeding $80 million. Musk and associated groups have invested over $20 million and Musk himself made a visit to Wisconsin, giving away $1 million checks in a promotional event. This investment comes not long after Tesla filed a lawsuit challenging a state law limiting the company’s ability to operate car dealerships, and as Musk fiercely opposes judges blocking Trump’s actions.
Trump endorsed Schimel in March. Despite the high advertising spend by both Crawford ($42.1 million) and Schimel ($33.7 million), Democrats are using Musk’s involvement to mobilize voters, framing the election as a referendum on Trump’s short presidential tenure. The Court’s decision will crucially impact the future of abortion rights, collective bargaining, and potentially alter the state’s congressional maps, which heavily favor Republicans.
In Florida, the special election to fill the seat vacated by Mike Waltz, who became Trump’s national security adviser, is under the spotlight. Waltz had easily won the seat by 33 points in the previous election, but signs are indicating the race could be tighter than expected. Democrat Josh Weil has raised over $10 million, while Republican Randy Fine, the anticipated winner, has collected about $1 million. Weil has focused on the threats Musk poses to programs like Medicare and Social Security, and early polling suggests a closer contest than initially thought.
Over in the US House, Republicans hold a slim majority (218-213, with four vacant seats), making the outcome of these races crucial. The possibility of a Democrat win could significantly alter the dynamics in Congress. Elsewhere, the Florida panhandle is also hosting a special election to fill the seat left open by Matt Gaetz, who resigned following his nomination, and subsequent withdrawal, for attorney general. Republican Jimmy Patronis is expected to secure this seat.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/01/wisconsin-florida-voters-elections-trump
