Wisconsin Votes in High-Profile $90 Millions Judicial Race/ Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race has become the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, with over $90 million spent. Elon Musk’s financial backing has stirred controversy amid concerns about his personal stakes. The court’s decisions may reshape abortion rights, labor laws, and election rules statewide.
Musk’s Influence in Wisconsin Vote + Quick Looks
- Wisconsin holds record-breaking $90M+ Supreme Court election on April 1, 2025.
- Elon Musk and affiliated groups contributed over $21 million to the race.
- Court’s decisions could affect abortion, labor unions, and future election laws.
- Conservative Brad Schimel faces liberal judge Susan Crawford.
- Musk’s voter incentives raise concerns about election legality.
- Democrats warn of Musk’s Tesla-related interest in court outcomes.
- Florida also holds special U.S. House elections to fill Trump cabinet vacancies.
Wisconsin Votes in High-Profile $90 Millions Judicial Race
Deep Look
On April 1, 2025, Wisconsin voters participated in a judicial election that has shattered spending records, turning a state Supreme Court race into a flashpoint for national issues like abortion rights, union laws, and electoral regulations. The contest has drawn over $90 million in combined spending, making it the most expensive judicial race in American history.
At the center of the controversy is billionaire Elon Musk, whose donations and activities have reshaped the race’s dynamics. Musk and affiliated political groups have funneled more than $21 million into the campaign, backing conservative candidate Brad Schimel, a former Republican state attorney general and county judge. His liberal opponent, Susan Crawford, currently a county judge, is supported by Democratic megadonors including Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and philanthropist George Soros.
Though officially non-partisan, the race has become highly politicized. Donald Trump has endorsed Schimel, while state Democrats are aligned behind Crawford. The outcome could determine whether the current 4-3 liberal tilt on the court is preserved or flipped to a conservative majority.
Decisions from the court could profoundly impact Wisconsin’s political and legal landscape. Key issues hanging in the balance include the future of abortion rights, following challenges to state-level protections post-Roe, and the legality of a GOP-backed law that eliminated most collective bargaining rights for public employee unions.
The court’s influence also extends to federal politics. With Wisconsin a perpetual battleground state—Trump won it in 2024 by less than one percentage point—any rulings related to election rules or voting rights could carry weight well beyond the state. The court could rule on congressional redistricting, potentially jeopardizing the Republican Party’s slim majority in the U.S. House.
Musk’s role in the race has been particularly polarizing. On Sunday, he held a rally where his super PAC handed out $1 million checks to two attendees, prompting a legal challenge from Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul. The Wisconsin Supreme Court declined to review the case, allowing Musk’s voter-incentive event to proceed. Musk also launched a payment program offering volunteers $20 for every voter they recruit.
Democrats argue Musk’s involvement raises ethical red flags. Beyond his political interests, Tesla filed a lawsuit against the state in January over a law that bans automakers from operating their own dealerships—an issue that could eventually reach the state Supreme Court.
Crawford’s allies have seized on this potential conflict of interest, asserting that Musk’s financial influence might be driven by personal gain rather than public service. While Musk has not publicly responded to these accusations, he defended his support of Schimel, stating that a conservative judiciary is crucial to preserving Republican control in key states.
“I think this will be important for the future of civilization,” Musk said during his Sunday rally.
Meanwhile, in Florida, two special elections are also taking place to fill vacancies in the U.S. House created by Trump’s recent cabinet appointments. Republicans are expected to retain both seats, which would expand their majority in the House to 220-213. In the Pensacola-centered district, GOP state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is running against Democrat Gay Valimont, an anti-gun violence activist. In the Daytona Beach area, Republican state Senator Randy Fine is challenged by Democrat Josh Weil, a public school teacher.
Though the Florida races aren’t drawing the same financial or national attention as Wisconsin’s judicial battle, Democrats are closely watching turnout levels and margins to assess whether public opinion has shifted since the 2024 elections.
Back in Wisconsin, the judicial election marks more than just a contest between two judges—it’s a test of how much influence money, celebrity endorsements, and legal gray areas can exert on American democracy. The unprecedented level of involvement from figures like Elon Musk has turned what is typically a low-profile race into a high-stakes national referendum.
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