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2mo ago

Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Nears Record-Breaking Finish

Elon Musk's unprecedented spending and controversial tactics dominate final days of election with national implications for abortion, redistricting, and labor laws.

Dane County Judge and Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidate Susan Crawford, left, Supreme Court candidate and Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel respond to questions from WISN 12 Political Director Matt Smith during the WISN 12 Commitment 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court Debate at the Lubar Center at Marquette University Law School’s Eckstein Hall, March 12, 2025 in Milwaukee.
People cast their ballots at an early voting station for April 1 elections which include a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S. March 19, 2025. REUTERS/Eric Cox
Demonstrators protest outside of an event hosted by Circuit Court Judge Brad Schimel, a candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Schimel, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump and financially supported by billionaire businessman Elon Musk, is running against Dane County Circuit Court Judge Susan Crawford.
SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk awards Judey Kamora with $1,000,000 during an America PAC town hall on October 26, 2024 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Overview

  • The Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 1 will determine the court's ideological majority, with significant impacts on abortion rights, redistricting, and labor laws.
  • Elon Musk has contributed over $19 million to support conservative candidate Brad Schimel, making him the largest donor in the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history.
  • Musk's America PAC has drawn criticism for offering $100 to petition signers and awarding $1 million to a participant, raising concerns about the influence of money in the election.
  • Early voting turnout is up nearly 50% compared to 2023, reflecting heightened voter engagement in a race seen as a proxy battle between Donald Trump and Democrats.
  • Polls show a tight contest, with liberal candidate Susan Crawford holding a slight lead in some surveys as both campaigns intensify efforts in the final days.