Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Heats Up With Elon Musk Influence

The upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election is becoming one of the most expensive judicial races in history, with an estimated $59 million already spent, surpassing previous records. The battle pits Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford against Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel for a position that could tilt the ideological balance of the court.

This election, set for April 1, 2025, represents not just a contest between two judicial candidates but also a clash of philosophies that could have lasting implications for numerous pressing issues in Wisconsin. As observers note, the outcome could influence abortion rights, voting rights, and taxation policies—the significant matters facing the state court in the coming years.

At the center of the controversy are the dark and ominous campaign ads saturating the airwaves that cast both candidates in a tough-light. Ads funded by candidates themselves or third-party groups have accused Crawford and Schimel of various criminal failings, with insinuations around their judicial records. In their only debate on March 12, 2025, neither candidate directly addressed pressing issues, opting instead to engage in a punishing back-and-forth of personal criticisms.

According to Barry Burden, the director of the Elections Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this is perhaps the most intense Supreme Court race the state has ever encountered. “For the second time in a row, (the election is) going to determine the ideological direction of the Supreme Court. And, in part, the ideological direction of state government,” he explained.

The candidates have approached the issues differently but both have been defensive about their records, shying away from addressing the critical political matters directly with the voters, according to legal scholars.

While many voters are understandably more concerned about crime rates and public safety—a common strategy in judicial campaigns—Schimel and Crawford’s campaigning tactics have been criticized for straying far from the core responsibilities of a Supreme Court justice.

Crawford, who has expressed her commitment to individual freedoms and rights, cited her work on labor and voting rights. “It’s about how we interpret the laws and constitution in the state of Wisconsin. I believe they should be interpreted to protect the rights of every Wisconsinite,” she asserted in a statement to Wisconsin Watch. Conversely, Schimel has emphasized a tough-on-crime stance and has stressed a need for restraint when it comes to interpreting the 1849 abortion law in Wisconsin.

Expenses are eye-popping, with Crawford's campaign reportedly spending nearly $23 million on advertisements alone, while Schimel’s campaign has allocated approximately $8.8 million. These numbers reflect a significant investment from both candidates, often funded by a web of political allies and affiliates.

Elon Musk has unwittingly become a focal point in this election, with ads linking him to Schimel due to financial support via super PACs and independent groups. Musk, known for his considerable financial resources and substantial involvement in politics, has been directly referenced in various campaign spots. A new ad from Crawford’s campaign depicts Musks’ financial influence as an attempt to “buy” a seat on the Supreme Court.

This significant presence of billionaire funding has drawn attention and criticism, with many concerned about the implications of such wealth on the electoral process. Outside spending, particularly from groups like Musk’s super PAC that has reportedly backed Schimel, is raising alarms about the influence of money in politics. Closing days before the election, while spending continues to rise considerably, Wisconsin voters are being inundated with competing narratives and diverse political agendas.

Musk's recent financial contributions have helped elevate the stakes even higher, with a recent report indicating that his super PAC, America PAC, has invested about $6.6 million in the current race, further complicating the battle for control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Schimel, seeking to harness this financial clout, emphasized the need to protect conservative reforms achieved under past governance.

However, many on the Democratic side argue Musk’s involvement could backfire and be used against Republicans, especially in a state where numerous voters express an unfavorable view of him. Recent polling from Marquette University showed that 97% of Democratic voters disapprove of Musk, indicating a fruitful opportunity for Democrats to capitalize on his controversial actions.

As the election draws nearer, momentum might hinge on whether candidates can effectively communicate their positions on substantive matters. Here’s where traditional approaches might no longer hold. With recent evidence indicating shifting perspectives among voters, candidate credibility will likely play a crucial role.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court election could very well reflect a pivotal moment in the national conversation about judicial power and accountability in the electoral system, with implications that exceed well beyond state borders.

This race not only promises to redefine Wisconsin's legal landscape but also sets a critical precedent for how campaigns are run at the state level in the era of super PACs and billionaire influences.

As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the significant questions remain: who can best safeguard the rights of Wisconsinites while facing a barrage of attacks and big-money interests? The stakes could not be higher, as both heavy spending and heavy scrutiny will play a prominent role in determining who secures a seat on the bench.