With days until Wisconsin’s highly critical Supreme Court election on April 1, conservatives nationwide have rallied behind Brad Schimel, the Trump-endorsed candidate, emphasizing that winning this race is essential. Elon Musk, known for his bold political moves, has joined the effort by actively stepping into Wisconsin’s political fight to help secure Schimel’s victory.
The battle for Wisconsin’s highest court carries immense significance, as the winner becomes the tie-breaking vote on major issues. Schimel, a Republican former state attorney general, faces Susan Crawford, a judge from Dane County favored by prominent Democrats including former President Barack Obama.
Trump clearly laid out the stakes in his endorsement of Schimel. He labeled Crawford a “Radical Left Liberal,” warning Wisconsin voters that her election would effectively sideline the state from the broader conservative movement’s goals.
Democrats have concentrated efforts on turning Musk’s involvement into a liability for Schimel. Advertisements airing statewide sharply criticize Musk, alleging his proposals threaten popular programs including Social Security and education funding. The Democrats have presented Schimel as Musk’s political ally, pushing voters to reject his candidacy.
Musk intensified controversy last week, promising two $1 million checks to Wisconsin voters at a special event for signing petitions opposing activist judges. This move immediately drew legal scrutiny, prompting Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, to file a lawsuit aiming to prevent Musk from carrying out these plans.
Schimel has largely stayed clear of direct commentary on Musk’s controversial petition initiative. When reporters asked about the legality of Musk’s proposals, he noted, “I don’t know. I’m not his lawyer,” thus keeping distance from Musk’s strategy despite sharing common political ground.
Beyond immediate judicial concerns, the election could decide the fate of significant conservative reforms such as former Gov. Scott Walker’s Act 10. Crawford strongly opposes Act 10, which ended forced payment of union dues by public employees, a key source of Democratic campaign funding and influence that conservatives see as detrimental to taxpayer interests.
Obama’s active support for Crawford underscores the election’s national significance. The former president publicly endorsed her candidacy on Twitter, urging Wisconsinites to vote early and emphasizing her role in protecting fundamental rights in Wisconsin.
Spending in this court race has surpassed previous national records, with Musk’s investment of over $20 million matched by liberal billionaires such as George Soros and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. The outcome will resonate far beyond Wisconsin’s borders.
