President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk are pulling out all the stops to sway Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race in favor of conservative candidate Brad Schimel. With Trump’s endorsement and Musk’s America PAC spending millions, the battle for control of the court is shaping up to be the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history. But what’s really at stake? A ruling on abortion rights, the potential redrawing of congressional districts, and a power struggle that could shape the political landscape for years to come.
Trump and Musk’s Full-Court Press
Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Friday to announce his support for Schimel, a Waukesha County judge and former Republican state attorney general. He didn’t hold back in his criticism of Schimel’s opponent, Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, warning that if she wins, the movement to "restore our Nation" could be derailed in Wisconsin.
At the same time, Musk’s political influence has been surging. His affiliated groups have already funneled over $13 million into the Wisconsin race, emphasizing its national importance. Musk, who Forbes ranks as the world’s richest person, isn’t just a passive observer—he’s actively working to help Trump reshape the government, from firing federal employees to shutting down agencies through his U.S. DOGE Service.
A Controversial Strategy: Cash for Contact Info
In an unusual move, Musk’s America PAC has been offering Wisconsin voters $100 in exchange for their contact details and a signature on a petition opposing activist judges. Even more eye-catching? The PAC is promising another $100 for each registered voter they refer to the petition. But there’s a catch—the fine print states that payments aren’t guaranteed and may take months to be processed.
This approach gives Musk’s team direct access to a vast pool of potential Schimel supporters, a key advantage in a race where turnout is typically lower than in presidential elections. Political analysts on both sides agree: Schimel’s best shot at victory lies in energizing Trump’s voter base and ensuring they show up at the polls.
The Battle for Wisconsin’s High Court
Wisconsin’s Supreme Court has been at the center of major legal battles, and this election could determine its ideological balance for years to come. Currently, liberals hold a narrow 4-3 majority, but that could change depending on the outcome of this race. One of the biggest concerns for conservatives? The potential for the court to redraw congressional districts in a way that could favor Democrats.
Musk made this clear during a live audio stream on X (formerly Twitter), where he hosted Schimel alongside Republican Senator Ron Johnson. Musk pointed out that if the court’s liberal majority stays intact, new district maps could tilt the U.S. House toward the Democrats, potentially blocking the "changes the American people want."
The Role of Abortion in the Election
Another critical issue in the race is abortion. Wisconsin’s Supreme Court is currently reviewing cases that could determine whether abortion remains legal in the state. After Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, Wisconsin clinics ceased offering abortion services, fearing an 1849 state law could make them illegal. In 2023, however, a lower court ruled that the law did not apply, allowing procedures to resume up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Crawford, the liberal candidate, has been a strong advocate for abortion rights, while Schimel, though historically opposed to abortion, has said he will respect the will of the voters. Still, abortion rights supporters fear a conservative court could usher in stricter restrictions in the future.
Liberal Backlash: “The People v. Musk”
Crawford’s campaign has been vocal in its criticism of Musk’s involvement in the race. Democrats have even organized town hall-style events called “The People v. Musk,” underscoring their belief that Musk’s financial muscle is tipping the scales unfairly.
“Schimel has spent his entire career on bent knee to right-wing special interests,” said Crawford’s campaign spokesperson Derrick Honeyman. “We assumed he had this endorsement locked up months ago.”
And the numbers support the intensity of the battle—candidates and outside groups have already poured a staggering $76 million into the race, smashing previous records. Two years ago, liberals gained control of the court in what was then the costliest judicial election in U.S. history. Now, conservatives are making a hard push to reclaim power.
Musk’s Other Interests in Wisconsin
Interestingly, one major issue was left out of Musk and Schimel’s live-streamed conversation—Tesla’s ongoing legal battle in Wisconsin. Musk’s electric car company sued the state in January after officials blocked Tesla from opening direct-to-consumer dealerships due to a law preventing car manufacturers from owning dealerships. If this case eventually reaches the state’s Supreme Court, Musk could find himself fighting another high-stakes legal battle in Wisconsin.
The April Fools’ Day Election
For all the weight this election carries, Musk couldn’t help but poke fun at its timing. “Such a fateful election,” he remarked during the live stream, “but it’s on April Fools’ Day.”
While the date might suggest a joke, there’s nothing funny about the stakes involved. With Trump and Musk pouring resources into Wisconsin, the election is more than just a local judicial race—it’s a pivotal moment that could influence national politics, from congressional representation to the future of abortion rights.
As April 1 approaches, both sides are bracing for a high-stakes showdown. Will Trump and Musk’s influence push Schimel over the finish line? Or will the Democratic turnout advantage hold firm for Crawford? One thing is certain—Wisconsin voters hold the power to shape the state’s future, and both parties are doing everything they can to win them over.
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