A high-profile election for Wisconsin's Supreme Court seat on Tuesday has drawn national attention due to the involvement of two of the world's most influential political donors—Elon Musk and George Soros. This judicial race has set records for its campaign spending, with contributions exceeding $73 million and projections indicating it may reach $100 million by Election Day, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.
Elon Musk, known for his support of conservative causes, has invested heavily in the race, endorsing Republican candidate Brad Schimel with a combined $20 million from his super PACs—America PAC and Building America's Future. Musk has even taken to the campaign trail in Wisconsin, showcasing his commitment to the race.
In contrast, George Soros, a prominent backer of liberal initiatives, has supported Democratic candidate Susan Crawford by donating $1 million to the Wisconsin Democratic Party. Crawford's campaign has also attracted contributions from unions, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, and Gloria Page, mother of Google co-founder Larry Page.
The stakes of this election are high, with the current liberal majority on the court holding at 4-3. A victory for Schimel could shift the balance to conservative control, an outcome endorsed by former President Donald Trump and actively campaigned for by Donald Trump Jr.
Both campaigns have employed strategies to leverage their high-profile backers. Crawford has labeled the race as "The People v. Musk," attempting to tie Schimel to Musk's controversial influence. The election is seen as a barometer for the political climate in the United States, with implications for the 2028 presidential election, the future of abortion laws in Wisconsin, and key judiciary decisions.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court will play a critical role in deciding issues like the redrawing of congressional districts and voting rules. The state's abortion laws have been in the spotlight since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, leading to a temporary cessation of abortion services until a lower court's ruling in 2023. The elected judge will serve a ten-year term, shaping the state's trajectory well into the future.
Adding to the race's significance, Elon Musk's Tesla has a pending lawsuit in Wisconsin that could potentially reach the Supreme Court, challenging a state law that prevents manufacturers from operating their own dealerships.
As election day approaches, the battle between Musk and Soros encapsulates the broader struggle between conservative and liberal visions for America, with the outcome set to influence both the state and the nation's future.
