Unprecedented Spending in the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race: A Money-Driven Showdown
The race for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court has spiraled into a remarkable display of financial firepower, setting a new record for judicial elections in the United States. The upcoming vote has become a battleground not just for local candidates, but for out-of-state interests pouring funds into the contest. At the heart of this financial frenzy is the controversial Citizens United ruling, which permits unlimited campaign spending and allows money to flow from across the nation—a development that could potentially silence local voices in this pivotal election.
A Turning Point in Judicial Elections
As state high courts increasingly tackle high-stakes issues such as abortion access, gun rights, and election laws, their influence is more pronounced than ever. The stakes are particularly high in Wisconsin, where the ideological balance of the Supreme Court is in jeopardy for the second consecutive election cycle. Following a shift to liberal control in 2023, the upcoming vote will see Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford vying for support against former state Attorney General Brad Schimel, with financial backing that could overshadow their campaigns.
Soaring Costs and Political Alliances
To date, the campaigns, alongside their supporting independent groups, have spent more than $73 million, and that number is likely to escalate even higher as election day approaches. Here’s a breakdown of the financial landscape:
- Crawford’s campaign has shelled out approximately $19.4 million, significantly outpacing Schimel, who has managed to spend around $8.9 million. However, the financial terrain shifts when looking at independent expenditures.
- Support from super PACs and nonprofits has heavily favored Schimel, with about $32.1 million in funding compared to Crawford’s $12.9 million.
High-Profile Contributors and Dark Money Players
Among the most notable contributors are organizations like America PAC and Building America’s Future, whose combined spending exceeds $14.3 million—a staggering amount accounting for nearly 20% of total expenditures. Elon Musk’s support of America PAC has raised eyebrows, given his influence and the dark money nature of many contributions.
Schimel’s financial backing includes:
- $4.3 million from Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, a group known for its dark money affiliation.
- Additional $4 million from Fair Courts America, linked to billionaire megadonor Richard Uihlein.
- Contributions from Americans for Prosperity and the Republican State Leadership Committee totaling millions.
On the flip side, Crawford has garnered support from:
- $6.2 million via A Better Wisconsin Together, a group with serious contributions from influential figures like Lynde Uihlein.
- $1 million from the ACLU Voter Education Fund and a similar amount from George Soros through the state Democratic Party.
This financial warfare underscores the increasing polarization of Wisconsin politics, where the line between campaigns and external influence is increasingly blurred.
A Heavy Focus on Crime and Controversy
Despite the range of interests trying to sway voters, the persistent theme in this election’s advertisements revolves around crime and punishment. A significant number of these ads prioritize this narrative, even from groups that have no direct ties to criminal justice. This trend reflects a broader pattern in judicial races, where concerns about being perceived as "soft on crime" can skew judicial decisions in election years.
Further complicating the narrative, some ads funded by groups like Building America’s Future have been criticized for lacking transparency, often masking their intent behind issues that may not align with their broader interests, such as abortion and immigration.
Conclusion: The Dilution of Local Perspectives
Political advertising has the potential to inform voters, but when such vast sums are funneled into inflammatory ads, the integrity of the electoral process is called into question. The Wisconsin Supreme Court holds the power to interpret state law and constitutionality on issues affecting millions of citizens. However, with big spending shaping the race, the influence of out-of-state interests may overshadow local sentiments, leaving voters to navigate a landscape fraught with confusion and bias.
As the election draws near, the question remains: will Wisconsin voters allow their state’s future to be dictated by forces beyond its borders? With financial stakes at an all-time high, the answer has never been more critical.
