Millions of dollars and Elon Musk—Wisconsin’s $82 million Supreme Court contest

by Nikita Sharma April 1, 2025

written by Nikita Sharma April 1, 2025 0 comments

Similar to his 2024 presidential campaign plan, Elon Musk is investing millions of dollars in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court contest. Through two political organizations, the tech millionaire has contributed at least $17 million to the cause of conservative politician Brad Schimel. According to a Bloomberg report, he has also given $3 million to the Republican Party of Wisconsin, ranking him as the second-largest political donor of 2025.

Susan Crawford, a judge in Dane County, is running against Brad Schimel, the former state attorney general.

Record-breaking spending and cash incentives

According to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, candidates and outside organizations spent a total of $82 million by March 30 in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, making it the most costly legal battle in US history.By distributing $1 million checks to voters, Musk’s America PAC has adopted an unconventional strategy akin to his strategies during the 2024 presidential race. A Green Bay man was given $1 million at a protest on Sunday night for signing a petition against “activist judges.”

Election to decide court’s balance of power

Voters in Wisconsin are casting ballots in a pivotal Supreme Court contest that will decide whether the state’s top court maintains its liberal majority or returns to a conservative one. The results of the election on Tuesday will have a significant impact on cases pertaining to voting regulations, labor legislation, abortion rights, and congressional redistricting.

Trump, Musk, and Republican influence

President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk have been major supporters of the conservative candidate Schimel. Crawford has been portrayed by Schimel’s campaign as a liberal activist who would repeal Republican-backed legislation restricting public employees’ ability to engage in collective bargaining and redraw Wisconsin’s congressional districts in favor of Democrats.

Crawford’s Democratic support and opposition to Musk

Crawford has made a point of standing up for voting rights, public sector unions, and abortion rights. Prominent Democrats including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, former President Barack Obama, and billionaire contributor George Soros have all endorsed her.

Opposition to Musk’s influence has been a major component of her campaign; Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler has warned that if Musk is successful in influencing the ideological composition of the court, “he is going to do it all over the country.”

Crawford furthered her argument that Musk’s wealth is influencing the election at a debate by calling her opponent “Elon Schimel.”

Implications for Wisconsin and the country

The election is seen as a crucial gauge of how voters feel about Musk’s increasing political clout and Trump’s first few months back in office. The victor will succeed retiring Justice Ann Walsh Bradley for a 10-year tenure.

The court will continue to be liberally governed until at least 2028 if Crawford prevails. With another court seat up for election, conservatives could have an opportunity to regain the majority as early as next year if Schimel wins.

Both parties view the Supreme Court contest as a pivotal contest with long-term ramifications for national politics, given that Wisconsin is a pivotal swing state in presidential elections.

Millions of dollars and Elon Musk—Wisconsin's $82 million Supreme Court contest

Nikita Sharma

Nikita writes about modern lifestyle, culture, and current trends. Her content connects with everyday readers seeking useful and engaging stories.

Record-breaking spending and cash incentives

Election to decide court’s balance of power

Trump, Musk, and Republican influence

Crawford’s Democratic support and opposition to Musk

Implications for Wisconsin and the country

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Millions of dollars and Elon Musk—Wisconsin’s $82 million Supreme Court contest

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