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Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Becomes Most Expensive Judicial Election in U.S. History

With over $80 million spent and national figures like Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Barack Obama involved, the April 1 election could reshape Wisconsin’s political and judicial landscape.

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
A Cybertruck at a Tesla dealership in Dublin, Calif., Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Republican-backed Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Judge Brad Schimel speaks at a women's luncheon event ahead of the April 1 election in Bellevue, Wisconsin, U.S. March 19, 2025. REUTERS/Eric Cox

Overview

  • The Wisconsin Supreme Court election will determine the court's ideological majority, with significant implications for redistricting, abortion rights, and union protections.
  • Spending in the race has surpassed $80 million, with contributions from Elon Musk, George Soros, and J.B. Pritzker, making it the costliest judicial election in U.S. history.
  • Elon Musk has contributed over $19 million to support conservative candidate Brad Schimel, drawing scrutiny due to Tesla’s pending lawsuit over dealership regulations in Wisconsin.
  • The race is seen as a proxy battle between Donald Trump, who backs Schimel, and Barack Obama, who endorses liberal candidate Susan Crawford, reflecting broader national political dynamics.
  • Early voting turnout is up 48% compared to 2023, with polls indicating a tight race as both campaigns intensify efforts in the final days before the April 1 election.