Billionaire Elon Musk is taking on George Soros in a high-stakes battle for Wisconsin’s Supreme Court, potentially shifting the balance of power. The fiercely contested race between Republican-endorsed Brad Schimel and Democrat-backed Susan Crawford has drawn national attention and unprecedented campaign spending as early voting begins.
At a glance:
- Early voting began March 18 for Wisconsin’s crucial April 1 Supreme Court election
- Republican-backed Brad Schimel faces Democrat-preferred Susan Crawford
- Elon Musk’s groups donated over $11 million to Schimel’s campaign
- George Soros and J.B. Pritzker contributed $1.5 million to Crawford
- The election will determine if the court maintains its liberal majority or shifts conservative
Billionaire Battle in the Badger State
Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race has transformed into a national showdown between America’s most influential billionaires, with the state’s judicial future hanging in the balance. Elon Musk has thrown his considerable financial weight behind Republican candidate Brad Schimel, contributing over $11 million through various groups, while liberal megadonors George Soros and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker have countered with $1.5 million in support of Democrat-backed Susan Crawford.
The April 1 election is a critical inflection point for Wisconsin’s highest court, which gained a liberal majority in 2023 after decades of conservative control. Early voting began March 18 and continues through March 30, though availability varies throughout the state.
High Stakes for Wisconsin’s Judicial Future
The liberal-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court has already made significant impacts on the state’s political landscape since gaining a 4-3 majority last year. The court struck down Republican-drawn legislative maps and reversed previous rulings on absentee ballot drop boxes, dramatically altering the electoral framework.
Crawford, a Dane County judge, has positioned herself as a defender of abortion rights and has received backing from Planned Parenthood. Schimel, a former Wisconsin Attorney General, pointed to his commitment to enforcing state laws as written, regardless of outside influences or personal preferences.
Crawford has criticized Musk’s outsized influence in the race, suggesting the billionaire’s support stems from Tesla’s ongoing legal challenges in Wisconsin.
National Figures Rally Behind Candidates
The race has attracted support from prominent political figures beyond the billionaire backers. Donald Trump Jr. and conservative commentator Charlie Kirk have campaigned for Schimel, increasing his appeal to Republican voters.
On the Democratic side, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder have thrown their support behind Crawford.
The unprecedented $59 million in campaign spending reflects the critical importance both parties place on controlling Wisconsin’s highest court ahead of the 2024 presidential election. With Wisconsin firmly established as a key battleground state, the judicial race could have far-reaching implications for the future of the state’s politics.
