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- State Supreme Court races have become increasingly costly, competitive, and combative, particularly in Wisconsin where the upcoming election could flip the court’s liberal majority.
- The involvement of high-profile figures like Elon Musk and significant financial investments are adding to the intensity of these races.
- Key issues such as abortion, union rights, and election laws are driving the stakes higher.
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Essential Context
State Supreme Court races, once relatively low-key, have evolved into high-stakes battles. The upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 1 is a prime example, with liberal Judge Susan Crawford facing off against conservative Judge Brad Schimel. This race could determine whether the court maintains its 4-3 liberal majority or flips to conservative control.
Core Players
- Susan Crawford – Dane County Circuit Court Judge, liberal candidate
- Brad Schimel – Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge, conservative candidate
- Elon Musk – Billionaire backing Schimel through his PAC and nonprofit contributions
- Wisconsin Democratic and Republican Parties – Key supporters of the respective candidates
Key Numbers
- $50 million – The record amount spent in the 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court race, which could be surpassed in this election.
- $1 million – Amount spent by Elon Musk’s PAC on the Wisconsin Supreme Court contest so far.
- $1.6 million – Amount spent by a conservative nonprofit supported by Musk on television ads attacking Crawford.
- 10 years – The term length for the winning candidate, ensuring long-term impact on the court’s decisions.
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The Catalyst
The landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which struck down federal abortion protections, has significantly heightened the importance of state supreme courts. This shift has made these races more contentious and financially intense.
In Wisconsin, the upcoming election is crucial as it will determine the direction of key issues such as abortion, union rights, and election laws.
Inside Forces
The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s current liberal majority is at stake, with major implications for the state’s laws and policies. If Crawford wins, she will maintain the liberal majority, while a Schimel victory would flip the court to conservative control.
Crawford and Schimel have garnered significant endorsements and financial support from their respective parties and allies, reflecting the high stakes involved.
Power Dynamics
Elon Musk’s involvement through his PAC and nonprofit contributions has added a new layer of complexity to the race. Musk’s support for Schimel has been criticized by Crawford, who argues that Musk is “trying to buy a seat on our Supreme Court.”
The Republican Party’s efforts to enshrine voter ID requirements and other election-related amendments into the state constitution further highlight the political maneuvering at play.
Outside Impact
The outcome of this election will have broader implications for Wisconsin’s democracy, particularly in areas such as redistricting and voting rights. The court’s decisions on these issues could shape the state’s political landscape for years to come.
Experts note that even if conservatives regain control of the court, the statehouse maps adopted in 2024 are unlikely to change before 2026 due to their voluntary adoption by lawmakers.
Future Forces
The winner of this election will serve a 10-year term, influencing critical decisions, including the next round of redistricting in 2031. This long-term impact underscores the importance of this race and why it is attracting such significant attention and investment.
Looking ahead, the races for the remaining seats on the Wisconsin Supreme Court will continue to be closely watched, as they will offer additional opportunities for either side to secure a majority.
Data Points
- April 1, 2025 – Date of the Wisconsin Supreme Court election
- 2023 – Year when the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s liberal majority was last secured
- 2031 – Year of the next redistricting process, which the winner will influence
- $10 million – Previous state record for spending in a judicial election in Wisconsin (2020)
The escalating intensity and financial investment in State Supreme Court races reflect the heightened importance of these courts in shaping state laws and policies. As the stakes continue to rise, these elections are likely to remain high-profile and deeply contested.
