Wisconsin Supreme Court Race: A National Soap Opera Powered by Billionaire Dollars
As Wisconsin gears up for a pivotal election, voters will cast their ballots Tuesday in a hotly contested state Supreme Court race that has captured not just local but national attention. With a wave of unprecedented campaign funding saturating the airwaves, this election is not just about judicial policies—it's a showcase of the influence of money in politics.
The Players in the Game: Who's Who?
At the heart of this fierce battle are conservative Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel and liberal Dane County Judge Susan Crawford. Their showdown has attracted some high-profile supporters, including billionaire Elon Musk, who hosted a rally in Green Bay just days before the election. Musk isn't just any backer—he’s known for dipping into his deep pockets, handing out million-dollar checks to Republican candidates.
On the other side of the aisle, billionaire George Soros lends his financial muscle to Crawford’s campaign, showcasing the extreme lengths to which funders will go to shape the political landscape.
For more insights, you can check out coverage by PBS Wisconsin, where Zac Schultz offers an in-depth look at the election’s dynamics.
Is This Election Really Nonpartisan?
At first glance, Wisconsin's spring elections are supposed to be nonpartisan. But if you ask political analysts, the reality is quite different. For more than two decades, the political stakes have gradually risen, and a growing awareness of the Supreme Court's influence in Wisconsin has made these judicial races more contentious.
With a divided government—Republicans holding the Legislature and a Democratic governor, Tony Evers—the Supreme Court wields the power to decide critical issues. A significant shift occurred a decade ago when a law was passed allowing parties to donate unlimited funds to candidates through loopholes, enabling billionaires like Musk and Soros to flood the race with cash.
The Current Landscape: Ideological Divisions
As it stands, the Wisconsin Supreme Court features a narrow 4-3 liberal majority. This shift occurred just two years ago in a race that became the most expensive state Supreme Court race in U.S. history. The liberal majority quickly began implementing decisions favoring Democratic priorities, raising the stakes even further in this upcoming election as one of their own is stepping down.
The Battle for Control: Why Winning Matters
Both political factions are pouring resources into this race because it has significant national implications. The Supreme Court's decisions could pave the way for redistricting congressional seats—a move with potential advantages for whichever party controls the chamber. The new liberal majority previously established a liberal redistricting plan, but left eight congressional seats, currently held 6-2 by Republicans, untouched.
Democrats are particularly eyeing two Republican-held districts that could flip in favorable conditions. If redistricted, these seats could become battlegrounds in a good Democratic year, making the outcome of this election even more crucial.
What Do the Polls Say?
As we approach Election Day, polling data remains sparse. The only recent numbers come from internal surveys released by partisan groups. A notable poll from nearly a month ago suggested Crawford held a four-point lead—but with the avalanche of advertisement dollars pouring into the race, the real status is still uncertain.
Given the level of spending and the involvement of high-profile figures, the race is likely neck-and-neck, making this competition feel reminiscent of a presidential election.
In a race that is about much more than just individual candidates, Wisconsin's Supreme Court election is a vivid example of how money, influence, and political ambition collide in the American judicial landscape. As the polls prepare to open, all eyes will be on Wisconsin—watching, awaiting, and anticipating the outcome.
