What's happened
The April 1 election for the Wisconsin Supreme Court features liberal Susan Crawford against conservative Brad Schimel, backed by Elon Musk's super PAC. This race is pivotal for control of the court, impacting key issues like abortion rights and voting laws, and reflects voter sentiment post-Trump's re-election.
What's behind the headline?
Key Implications of the Election
- Judicial Control: The outcome will determine whether the court remains liberal or shifts to conservative control, affecting rulings on abortion, voting rights, and redistricting.
- Voter Sentiment: This election serves as an early indicator of voter enthusiasm for both parties in a critical battleground state.
- Musk's Influence: Elon Musk's financial backing for Schimel raises ethical questions about the intersection of wealth and political power, potentially undermining judicial independence.
- Democratic Strategy: Democrats are framing the race as a referendum on Musk, aiming to mobilize voters against perceived external influence in local governance.
Forecast
The election is likely to be the most expensive in Wisconsin's history, with over $67 million already spent. The outcome will not only shape state policies but also set the tone for the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential elections.
What the papers say
According to AP News, the race has attracted significant outside funding, particularly from Musk, who has spent over $13 million to support Schimel. The Independent highlights Musk's controversial tactics, including offering $100 to voters who sign a petition against 'activist judges,' which has drawn criticism from Crawford's campaign as an attempt to buy votes. Business Insider UK notes that this strategy mirrors Musk's previous efforts during the 2024 election, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The New York Times emphasizes the potential consequences of a conservative court, particularly regarding issues like abortion and voting rights, while also questioning Musk's motivations in this political landscape.
How we got here
The upcoming election is the first since Donald Trump's return to the White House, with significant implications for Wisconsin's judicial landscape. Musk's financial influence has raised concerns about vote-buying and judicial independence, echoing tactics used in the 2024 election.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Musk's funding?
- How might the election outcome affect abortion rights?
- What strategies are both candidates using to mobilize voters?
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More on these topics
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Elon Reeve Musk FRS is an engineer, industrial designer, technology entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder, CEO, CTO and chief designer of SpaceX; early investor, CEO and product architect of Tesla, Inc.; founder of The Boring Company; co-foun
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Brad David Schimel is an American lawyer, judge, and Republican politician from Waukesha County, Wisconsin. He was the 44th attorney general of Wisconsin, serving from 2015 to 2019.
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Susan Crawford may refer to:
Susan Fletcher Crawford (1863–1918), Scottish etcher
Susan J. Crawford, American judge and senior Pentagon official, the convening authority for Guantanamo military commissions 2007–2010
Susan M. Crawford (born 1965), Wis
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central, Midwest and Great Lakes regions of the country. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake S
