Brad Schimel, a Republican-backed candidate for Wisconsin's Supreme Court, has reignited old allegations of election fraud just weeks before the April 1 election, calling into question the integrity of absentee ballot reporting in Milwaukee. In a recent interview on conservative talk radio, Schimel expressed concerns about the late reporting of ballots in Milwaukee, sparking a response from his political opponent, Susan Crawford.
During the segment aired on WISN-AM on March 18, 2025, Schimel invoked the specter of voting fraud, warning his supporters to ensure they have their votes secured. He stated, "We need to get our votes banked, make this too big to rig so we don’t have to worry that at 11:30 in Milwaukee, they’re going to find bags of ballots that they forgot to put into the machines." His comments echo past allegations made after previous elections, particularly the 2018 and 2020 contests.
In 2018, the late counting of over 47,000 absentee ballots after midnight propelled Democrat Tony Evers ahead of then-Governor Scott Walker, leading to intense criticism from Walker, who felt blindsided by the late reporting. Similarly, in the 2020 elections, Eric Hovde remarked he was shocked when more than 108,000 ballots were tallied in Milwaukee in the early hours after election day, contributing to the defeat of Republican Tammy Baldwin.
Schimel continued to push the narrative of potential fraud, saying, "I don’t know if there was fraud there. There’s no way for me to know that. All I know is this: We need to turn our votes out. That’s the best insulation we have against any potential fraud, is just get our people to the polls." His approach seems to be a direct appeal to voters' concerns about election integrity, although he later assured that he would accept the election results regardless of the outcome.
In a contrasting stance, Crawford’s spokesperson, Derrick Honeyman, criticized Schimel's remarks, labeling them as an attempt to align with conspiracy theories to appease his ally, Elon Musk, who has invested over $11 million into Schimel’s campaign. Honeyman remarked, "It’s unbecoming of a judge and candidate for the state’s high court." The endorsement from Musk has drawn attention to the financial influence on the race, as Schimel battles Crawford, who is also backed by heavyweights in the Democratic sphere, including George Soros and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.
The Supreme Court race comes at a pivotal moment for Wisconsin, which has historically been a battleground state in presidential elections. Currently, the court is held by a liberal majority of 4-3, impacting future decisions on critical issues such as abortion rights, voting regulations, and district boundaries. The outcome of this election could significantly shape the judicial landscape in the state and influence broader national political dynamics.
This Supreme Court election is not merely a matter of local interest; the national implications of who controls this court could resonate beyond Wisconsin. As both sides brace for a contentious electoral battle, the rhetoric surrounding vote integrity and electoral fraud continues to influence voter sentiment.
The April 1 election is crucial for both political parties as they vie for control over one of the most significant judicial bodies in the state. Schimel’s campaign leverages fears around election integrity, resonating with a segment of voters deeply concerned about the legitimacy of past elections, while also raising questions about the long-term implications for judicial impartiality and legislative oversight in Wisconsin.
As election day approaches, the spotlight is squarely on how both candidates handle the charged atmosphere surrounding voter fraud allegations. Schimel's calls for increased vigilance among his supporters highlight a strategic move to mobilize Republican voters, while Crawford's response focuses on denouncing what she views as irresponsible rhetoric that undermines public trust in the electoral system.
With opinions split and both candidates having significant backing, the Wisconsin Supreme Court election stands as a microcosm of national debates around election integrity, political influence, and the role of the judiciary in American democracy. Polls show fluctuating support, indicating that voter turnout and perception of candidate integrity could ultimately decide the race.
As both campaigns gear up for the final stretch, it is clear that the stakes are high. The whispers of fraud and the battle for judicial control will likely continue to stir debates as they have in past elections, making the upcoming contest one of the most scrutinized events in Wisconsin's recent political history.
