A hotly contested race to determine control of Wisconsin’s supreme court, with significant implications for voting rights, abortion, and labor, is also emerging as a crucial test of Elon Musk’s political muscle, making it one of the most important elections during Donald Trump’s second term. Currently, liberals hold a 4-3 majority on the state supreme court, but the retirement of liberal justice Ann Walsh Bradley is reshaping the field. Susan Crawford, a liberal judge, is facing off on Tuesday against the conservative judge Brad Schimel for Bradley’s seat, with the winner influencing crucial decisions on the state’s 1849 abortion ban, collective bargaining rights, and the congressional district makeup.
This election has already become the most expensive judicial contest in U.S. history, with over $80 million spent by both sides. Musk’s involvement in the race began shortly after Tesla filed a lawsuit against a Wisconsin law that prohibited the company from opening car dealerships in the state. Musk’s Super Pac is offering $100 to individuals who sign a petition opposing “activist judges,” with Musk himself pledging to campaign in Wisconsin and give away $1 million to those who voted, a plan he had to revise following legal challenges.
Crawford, a former prosecutor, views Musk’s entry into the race as a test case for his influence, alleging that Musk seeks to ensure no obstacles impede his efforts to dismantle the federal government. Schimel’s campaign hasn’t responded to interview requests, but his strong ties to Trump are clear, with endorsements and public stances aligning with Trump’s agenda.
Wisconsin’s state supreme court elections have traditionally been low-key, but the importance of these courts in defining major issues has led to increased attention and expenditure in recent years. The election’s outcome could affect not only state but also national politics, given the swing state status of Wisconsin and the court’s potential rulings on election laws and congressional maps.
The spending in this race, driven by figures like Musk and the Uihlein family, has shattered records, with Musk’s contributions exceeding $20 million. The campaign finance laws in Wisconsin, which allow unlimited donations to state parties and have lax anti-coordination laws, have significantly enabled such high expenditures. Robert Yablon, a law professor, frames this race as a critical test for judicial independence, warning that Musk’s success could undermine the perception of the judiciary’s independence from other political branches.
As Tuesday’s election approaches, the stakes are clear, with each side eager to claim victory. A strong win for Crawford could signal robust liberal opposition to Trump and Musk, while a Schimel win could be demoralizing for Democrats. The election’s outcome is expected to provide insights into the effectiveness of liberal mobilization against the Trump administration and Musk’s influence on the political landscape.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/29/wisconsin-supreme-court-race-elon-musk
