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As Wisconsin voters head to the polls, the state’s Supreme Court race has become a national battleground, drawing record-breaking spending and high-profile endorsements from both sides of the political spectrum.
The election, which will decide control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, could have far-reaching consequences on abortion rights, redistricting, and election laws in the key swing state.
Trump, Musk, and National Republicans Back Schimel
Former President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk have thrown their support behind conservative candidate Brad Schimel, a Waukesha County judge and former Republican attorney general. Musk, a top Trump adviser, hosted a rally in Green Bay over the weekend, calling the election “important for the future of civilization.”
Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, emphasized the significance of the court’s role in future elections.
“Wisconsin’s a big state politically, and the Supreme Court has a lot to do with elections in Wisconsin,” Trump said Monday. “Winning Wisconsin’s a big deal, so therefore the Supreme Court choice … it’s a big race.”
Schimel has embraced Trump’s endorsement, appearing in campaign ads wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat and emphasizing his role in protecting conservative policies.
Crawford, Democrats Highlight Musk’s Influence
Liberal candidate Susan Crawford, a Dane County judge, has positioned the race as a referendum on Trump’s agenda—and on Musk’s growing political involvement. Speaking at a rally in Madison, Crawford called out Musk’s financial backing of Schimel, stating:
“Let me talk for a minute or two about my opponent, Elon Musk. I never imagined this race would come down to me fighting against the richest man in the world.”
Crawford has received millions in funding from Democratic donors, including billionaire George Soros and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, further fueling the record $90 million spent on the race—nearly double the previous record for a judicial election.
Early Voting Surge in Key Areas
Turnout has already shattered records, with at least 644,800 early ballots cast, a 57% increase from the last Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Milwaukee’s Democratic strongholds and the Republican-heavy WOW counties (Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington) have all seen significant spikes in voting.
With the balance of the court at stake, both parties see this race as a bellwether for 2026 and beyond. The results could have major implications not only for Wisconsin but for the 2028 presidential election and the future of Trump’s political influence.
