A conservative nonprofit supported by billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk is injecting $1.6 million into television ads for the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, a pivotal contest that will shape the court's political direction in a crucial presidential battleground state. The ads, airing in the state's major media markets, aim to influence the April 1 election, which holds significant implications for both national and state politics.
The race pits Brad Schimel, a Republican former state attorney general endorsed by Musk, against Susan Crawford, a Democratic-backed Dane County Circuit Judge. The outcome will determine the court's ideological balance, impacting upcoming cases on abortion, union rights, election law, and redistricting.
Schimel, a Trump supporter, welcomes the potential endorsement from the former president, while Crawford is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin and Wisconsin’s AFL-CIO. The Musk-backed group's involvement has sparked controversy, with Crawford accusing Schimel of being influenced by 'right-wing extremists.'
The race has attracted significant funding from both sides, with Musk and other billionaires supporting Schimel, and prominent Democratic donors backing Crawford. The contest is expected to become the most expensive state supreme court election on record, surpassing the $51 million spent in the previous Wisconsin race.
Outside groups, including A Better Wisconsin Together, are also investing heavily in the election, underscoring the high stakes involved. The involvement of big money and outside influences has raised concerns about the influence of wealthy donors on the outcome of the race.
The race reflects a broader trend of increasing financial influence in state-level politics, with billionaires like Musk playing a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes. The outcome of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race will not only impact the state's legal landscape but also serve as a barometer for the broader political climate in the country.
