The Battle for Wisconsin: A Supreme Court Showdown with National Stakes
March 26, 2025, 5:30 pm
Wisconsin is in the spotlight. The state is hosting a pivotal Supreme Court election on April 1, 2025. This race is not just about a seat on the bench; it’s a referendum on the influence of powerful figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump. The stakes are high, and the implications could ripple across the nation.
The election will determine control of a court that will address critical issues: abortion rights, collective bargaining, and voter access. These decisions could shape the landscape for the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election. The court's rulings may even redraw congressional maps, potentially shifting the balance of power in Washington.
The candidates are Brad Schimel, a Republican-backed former attorney general, and Susan Crawford, a Democrat-backed Dane County judge. Schimel has embraced Trump’s endorsement, positioning himself as a staunch ally of the former president. He has attended rallies, posed with Trump’s son, and even participated in events featuring a giant inflatable Trump. This is not just a campaign; it’s a movement.
On the other side, Crawford is rallying support against what she calls the “Musk influence.” She has labeled Schimel as “Elon Schimel,” highlighting the billionaire’s financial backing of the Republican campaign. Musk’s America PAC has poured millions into the race, making it the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, with spending surpassing $73 million. This flood of cash is reshaping the political landscape.
Musk’s involvement is not merely financial. He has a vested interest in the outcome. His electric car company, Tesla, is embroiled in a legal battle over dealership rules in Wisconsin. The state Supreme Court could ultimately decide the fate of that case. Musk’s financial contributions to the Republican Party and his push for a conservative court could serve his business interests.
The election is a litmus test for Musk’s political clout. Democrats are eager to channel voter outrage against him, viewing the race as an opportunity to push back against the billionaire’s influence. They are framing the election as “The People vs. Musk,” hoping to galvanize their base. The Democratic Party has organized town halls and protests, capitalizing on the discontent surrounding Trump and Musk.
Early voting has surged, fueled by the massive spending and the urgency of the election. Voters are turning out in droves, with significant increases in both Democratic and Republican strongholds. Milwaukee County, home to a large Democratic population, has seen a 46% increase in early ballots. Meanwhile, Republican areas like Waukesha County have reported a staggering 62% rise in early voting.
This election is a microcosm of the national political climate. It reflects the deep divisions in American society, where issues like abortion rights and voting access are hotly contested. The Wisconsin Supreme Court will soon rule on these matters, and the outcome could have lasting implications.
Schimel’s campaign has focused on energizing Trump’s base. He has echoed long-debunked claims of voter fraud, urging supporters to vote early to “make this too big to rig.” This rhetoric is designed to mobilize a loyal following, reinforcing the narrative that the election is a battle against liberal judges.
Crawford, meanwhile, is positioning herself as a defender of democracy. She argues that Schimel’s ties to Trump and Musk threaten the integrity of the court. Her campaign has received support from prominent Democratic donors, including George Soros. The narrative is clear: this election is about more than just a judicial seat; it’s about safeguarding democratic values.
As the election date approaches, both candidates are ramping up their efforts. Schimel is leveraging Musk’s financial backing to amplify his message. Crawford is countering with grassroots mobilization, tapping into the anger and frustration of voters who feel marginalized by the current political landscape.
The outcome of this election will resonate far beyond Wisconsin. It could set the tone for the upcoming midterms and influence the direction of the country. If Schimel wins, it could embolden Trump’s agenda and solidify Musk’s role in politics. A Crawford victory, on the other hand, could signal a pushback against the forces of conservatism and corporate influence.
In the end, this election is a high-stakes game of chess. Each move is calculated, each strategy designed to sway the hearts and minds of voters. The players are powerful, and the stakes are monumental. Wisconsin is not just a battleground; it’s a bellwether for the future of American democracy. As voters head to the polls, they will not only be casting ballots for a candidate; they will be making a statement about the kind of country they want to live in. The world is watching.
The election will determine control of a court that will address critical issues: abortion rights, collective bargaining, and voter access. These decisions could shape the landscape for the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election. The court's rulings may even redraw congressional maps, potentially shifting the balance of power in Washington.
The candidates are Brad Schimel, a Republican-backed former attorney general, and Susan Crawford, a Democrat-backed Dane County judge. Schimel has embraced Trump’s endorsement, positioning himself as a staunch ally of the former president. He has attended rallies, posed with Trump’s son, and even participated in events featuring a giant inflatable Trump. This is not just a campaign; it’s a movement.
On the other side, Crawford is rallying support against what she calls the “Musk influence.” She has labeled Schimel as “Elon Schimel,” highlighting the billionaire’s financial backing of the Republican campaign. Musk’s America PAC has poured millions into the race, making it the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, with spending surpassing $73 million. This flood of cash is reshaping the political landscape.
Musk’s involvement is not merely financial. He has a vested interest in the outcome. His electric car company, Tesla, is embroiled in a legal battle over dealership rules in Wisconsin. The state Supreme Court could ultimately decide the fate of that case. Musk’s financial contributions to the Republican Party and his push for a conservative court could serve his business interests.
The election is a litmus test for Musk’s political clout. Democrats are eager to channel voter outrage against him, viewing the race as an opportunity to push back against the billionaire’s influence. They are framing the election as “The People vs. Musk,” hoping to galvanize their base. The Democratic Party has organized town halls and protests, capitalizing on the discontent surrounding Trump and Musk.
Early voting has surged, fueled by the massive spending and the urgency of the election. Voters are turning out in droves, with significant increases in both Democratic and Republican strongholds. Milwaukee County, home to a large Democratic population, has seen a 46% increase in early ballots. Meanwhile, Republican areas like Waukesha County have reported a staggering 62% rise in early voting.
This election is a microcosm of the national political climate. It reflects the deep divisions in American society, where issues like abortion rights and voting access are hotly contested. The Wisconsin Supreme Court will soon rule on these matters, and the outcome could have lasting implications.
Schimel’s campaign has focused on energizing Trump’s base. He has echoed long-debunked claims of voter fraud, urging supporters to vote early to “make this too big to rig.” This rhetoric is designed to mobilize a loyal following, reinforcing the narrative that the election is a battle against liberal judges.
Crawford, meanwhile, is positioning herself as a defender of democracy. She argues that Schimel’s ties to Trump and Musk threaten the integrity of the court. Her campaign has received support from prominent Democratic donors, including George Soros. The narrative is clear: this election is about more than just a judicial seat; it’s about safeguarding democratic values.
As the election date approaches, both candidates are ramping up their efforts. Schimel is leveraging Musk’s financial backing to amplify his message. Crawford is countering with grassroots mobilization, tapping into the anger and frustration of voters who feel marginalized by the current political landscape.
The outcome of this election will resonate far beyond Wisconsin. It could set the tone for the upcoming midterms and influence the direction of the country. If Schimel wins, it could embolden Trump’s agenda and solidify Musk’s role in politics. A Crawford victory, on the other hand, could signal a pushback against the forces of conservatism and corporate influence.
In the end, this election is a high-stakes game of chess. Each move is calculated, each strategy designed to sway the hearts and minds of voters. The players are powerful, and the stakes are monumental. Wisconsin is not just a battleground; it’s a bellwether for the future of American democracy. As voters head to the polls, they will not only be casting ballots for a candidate; they will be making a statement about the kind of country they want to live in. The world is watching.