Billionaire titans are clashing in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race as Elon Musk and George Soros pour millions into opposing candidates. The April 1 election could dramatically shift the balance of power on critical issues from abortion to legislative authority – and Elon Musk might have just accidentally made himself the conservative answer to Soros.
At a glance:
• Early voting began March 18 in Wisconsin’s crucial Supreme Court race between Democrat-backed Susan Crawford and Republican-supported Brad Schimel
• Billionaires are heavily funding both sides: Elon Musk-linked groups contributed over $11 million to Schimel while George Soros and J.B. Pritzker donated $1.5 million to Crawford
• The election will determine if the court maintains its current liberal majority or shifts to conservative control
• Key issues include abortion rights, legislative redistricting, and absentee ballot drop boxes
• Major political figures are rallying behind candidates, with Donald Trump Jr. supporting Schimel and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz backing Crawford
Billionaire Battle: Musk vs. Soros Money Floods Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election has become a national battleground attracting unprecedented billionaire funding from America’s wealthiest political players. Early voting is already underway for the April 1 contest that pits Republican-backed Brad Schimel against Democrat-supported Susan Crawford in what could reshape the court’s ideological balance.
The high-stakes election has drawn more than $11 million from Elon Musk-linked groups supporting Schimel, while liberal billionaires George Soros and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker have contributed $1.5 million to boost Crawford’s campaign. The election comes after liberals gained control of the court in 2023, leading to significant rulings on legislative maps and voting procedures.
Crawford has directly targeted Musk’s involvement, suggesting the Tesla CEO is attempting to influence the court due to an ongoing lawsuit between Tesla and Wisconsin’s franchise laws. Schimel has firmly rejected this characterization, emphasizing his judicial independence regardless of campaign support.
Why is it that conservatives aren’t allowed to take billionaire money, but Democrats can? Surely they see the hypocrisy here?
Critical Issues Hanging in the Balance
The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s ideological direction will determine outcomes on several contentious issues facing the state. Abortion rights remain a pivotal topic, with Crawford openly supporting Planned Parenthood while Schimel advocates for allowing voters to decide through ballot measures. And it’s the fact that such hugely contentious issues are on the table that has drawn Musk’s attention to the race.
Another major flashpoint involves Act 10, the controversial 2011 law limiting public employee collective bargaining rights. Crawford has indicated potential recusal from Act 10 cases due to her previous opposition to the legislation, while Schimel has called it “a validly passed law” without committing to specific recusal.
The court’s liberal majority has already made significant impacts on Wisconsin politics by striking down Republican-drawn legislative maps and ruling against absentee ballot drop box restrictions. A conservative victory could reverse this trajectory and reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of the crucial 2024 presidential election.
And if Elon helps us win this battle, how can he avoid helping us win another? He may just become the right’s George Soros at this point!