Tue Apr 01 14:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Wisconsin Supreme Court Race: A High-Stakes Battle for Control
**MADISON, Wis. (AP)** — Wisconsin held a pivotal Supreme Court election on Tuesday, a contest marked by record-breaking spending and intense national attention. The race pitted Republican candidate Brad Schimel, a former state attorney general backed by Donald Trump and Elon Musk, against Democratic challenger Susan Crawford, a Dane County judge supported by prominent Democrats.
The election, the first major contest since the November general election, served as a barometer of public sentiment regarding Trump’s return to office and Musk’s influence. Musk’s involvement, including a personal appearance and reported $1 million donations to voters, fueled significant controversy. Trump himself highlighted the race’s importance, emphasizing the court’s role in election-related decisions.
The campaign was fiercely contested, with Schimel emphasizing Crawford’s alleged weakness on crime and portraying her as a puppet of the Democratic party. Crawford, conversely, attacked Schimel’s ties to Trump and Musk, using the moniker “Elon Schimel” in a debate and highlighting his stance on abortion rights.
The outcome will determine the court’s ideological balance, shifting it from a 4-3 liberal majority to a conservative majority should Schimel win. This holds significant implications for future rulings on abortion, public sector unions, voting rules, and congressional district boundaries, especially in the battleground state of Wisconsin.
The race shattered spending records, exceeding $90 million, far surpassing the previous high of $51 million set in 2023. Musk-funded groups accounted for a significant portion of the spending, exceeding $21 million. While Schimel attempted to downplay his dependence on Trump and Musk, Democrats successfully utilized this significant outside spending in their messaging.
Initial reports suggest smooth voting operations across the state. The election’s tight margin was anticipated by both sides, a stark contrast to the 11-point victory for the liberal candidate in the 2023 Supreme Court race. The winning candidate will serve a 10-year term, replacing retiring Justice Ann Walsh Bradley. The outcome will shape the court’s composition for years to come, with significant ramifications for Wisconsin and national politics.
First Piper 