Wed Mar 12 10:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Sanders Rallies in Wisconsin, Condemns Billionaire Influence in Supreme Court Race

**SOMERS, WI** – Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) ignited a Wisconsin crowd Friday night, launching a two-state tour focused on the undue influence of wealthy donors in politics, particularly highlighting the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election. Speaking to thousands at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Sanders decried a system where billionaires like Elon Musk can allegedly “buy elections,” referencing Musk’s significant financial backing of conservative candidate Brad Schimel.

Sanders, without explicitly naming her, voiced support for liberal candidate Susan Crawford, praising her stance on women’s reproductive rights. This sharply contrasts with Schimel’s opposition to abortion rights, framing the election as a pivotal battle over the court’s ideological balance.

The senator directly criticized Musk’s involvement, alleging the use of millions of dollars to sway the election through groups like Progress 2028, which reportedly ran misleading digital ads. Sanders argued that Musk’s actions, and the broader influence of wealthy donors in both parties, represent a dangerous move towards oligarchy. He highlighted Musk’s past support for Donald Trump’s presidential campaigns and questioned the extent of billionaire influence in various levels of government.

While the Crawford campaign has also received substantial funding from wealthy liberal donors like George Soros and JB Pritzker, Sanders focused his critique on the alleged Republican-leaning spending, citing figures exceeding $6 million from pro-Schimel groups backed by Musk.

The rally drew criticism from some students, like UW-Parkside sophomore Lucas Hammel, who questioned Sanders’ presence in the state. Republican Rep. Bryan Steil also condemned the visit, characterizing it as “fear-mongering” and contrasting Sanders’ policies with his priorities for Wisconsin. The Schimel campaign further emphasized the endorsements from sheriffs as evidence of support and contrasted it with the financial backing of Crawford from what they termed “dangerous liberals.” The high-profile Supreme Court race, already attracting significant attention, has become a battleground for national political forces and debate on the impact of big money in state-level elections.

Read More