Elon Musk’s Role in Wisconsin Supreme Court Election

Wisconsin voters headed to the polls on April 1, 2025, to decide a pivotal state Supreme Court election that has become the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history, with over $90 million spent. Tech billionaire Elon Musk has emerged as a central figure, investing millions to support conservative candidate Brad Schimel against liberal contender Susan Crawford. The race, determining the court’s ideological balance, could shape key issues like abortion rights, voting rules, and congressional redistricting in this battleground state. Musk’s involvement, including handing out $1 million checks to voters, has sparked controversy and legal challenges, making this election a litmus test for his political influence and President Donald Trump’s agenda.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Election 2025: A High-Stakes Battle

On April 1, 2025, Wisconsin voters cast their ballots in a state Supreme Court election that has captured national attention. The race pits conservative Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel against liberal Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, with the outcome poised to determine whether the court retains its 4-3 liberal majority or shifts to conservative control. This election, though officially nonpartisan, has become a proxy battle for broader political fights, drawing unprecedented spending and influence from figures like Elon Musk.

Elon Musk’s Unprecedented Involvement

Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and a key advisor to President Donald Trump, has poured millions into supporting Brad Schimel. His America PAC has spent over $12 million, with Musk personally donating an additional $3 million to the state Republican Party. Just days before the election, Musk handed out two $1 million checks to voters at a Green Bay rally, a move critics argue skirts state election laws. Wisconsin’s Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul filed a lawsuit to block these payments, alleging they violated anti-bribery statutes, but the state Supreme Court declined to intervene.

Why Musk Cares About Wisconsin’s Judiciary

Musk’s interest in the race extends beyond politics. Tesla, his electric vehicle company, is challenging a Wisconsin law that prevents manufacturers from owning dealerships, a case that could reach the state Supreme Court. Additionally, Musk has voiced concerns about the court’s potential to redraw congressional districts, which could threaten Republican dominance in the U.S. House. At a rally, he called the election “important for the future of civilization,” tying it to Trump’s federal cost-cutting initiatives through the Department of Government Efficiency.

Record-Breaking Spending in Judicial Race

The Wisconsin Supreme Court election has shattered records, with total spending exceeding $90 million by late March 2025, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. This dwarfs previous judicial contests, fueled by contributions from Musk, Democratic donors like George Soros, and both state parties. The influx of cash underscores the stakes: the winning candidate will serve a 10-year term, influencing rulings on abortion rights, labor laws, and election procedures ahead of the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race.

Key Issues at Stake

The court’s ideological balance could decide several critical issues. A pending case may determine if the Wisconsin Constitution protects abortion rights, a hot-button topic since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The court might also revisit a Republican-backed law stripping public employee unions of bargaining rights and rule on voting regulations in a state Trump narrowly won in November 2024. Redistricting remains a flashpoint, with liberals eyeing a chance to undo Republican-favored congressional maps.

A Referendum on Musk and Trump

Beyond the candidates, this election has become a referendum on Musk’s growing political clout and Trump’s early second term. Democrats have seized on Musk’s involvement, framing Schimel as a pawn of billionaires and highlighting Tesla’s legal interests. Meanwhile, Schimel’s supporters argue his conservative stance will restore “objectivity” to the court. With turnout expected to exceed two million, the results could signal how Wisconsin voters view Trump’s agenda and Musk’s influence just months into 2025.

As polls closed on April 1, 2025, the nation watched closely. The winner will not only shape Wisconsin’s judiciary but also set the tone for future battles in this swing state. Whether Musk’s gambit pays off or backfires, the election underscores a new era of big money and high stakes in state judicial races, with ripple effects likely to reach far beyond Wisconsin’s borders.