Elon Musk spends millions to influence Wisconsin Supreme Court election

In March 2023, Wisconsin voters participated in a high-stakes Supreme Court election that garnered significant national attention. The election involved Brad Schimel, a Republican candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump, and Susan Crawford, an unaffiliated Democratic-backed contender, and was viewed as a pivotal moment in determining the political future and judicial direction of Wisconsin. Candidates campaigned vigorously to secure support from voters, particularly those who had backed Trump in previous elections. With more than $81 million spent on both campaigns, Musk strategically positioned his funding to sway the election outcome in favor of Schimel, emphasizing the race's national implications. Schimel's campaign criticized Crawford for her affiliations and alleged potential impact on ballot measures and redistricting. Notably, Schimel had a strong message for Trump's base, indicating that he required about 60% of Trump voters to turn out for him to be successful. The election was consequential not only for Wisconsin politics but also for the Republican Party's future in the state, as a shift in the Supreme Court's ideological balance was at stake. Voter turnout surged in early voting compared to previous elections, and Musk's involvement heightened scrutiny regarding the implications of influential billionaires in local elections. Legal challenges arose concerning Musk's financial giveaway promises to incentivize voting, citing concerns over state laws. The Supreme Court race emphasized critical issues, including abortion rights and the potential for redistricting congressional maps, which could drastically influence Republican and Democratic seats in Congress. Ultimately, Wisconsin's political landscape depended on the outcome of this election, framing it as a referendum on not just local governance, but the broader national political environment.