Candidate for Wisconsin’s Supreme Court criticizes Musk’s role

MADISON, Wis. — The candidate backed by the Democrats in a critical Wisconsin Supreme Court race has criticized Elon Musk for his involvement, alleging that the billionaire is attempting to influence the election outcome. This contention arises as the competition is set to determine whether a liberal majority remains on the state’s highest judicial body.

A political action committee linked to Musk has already funneled $1 million into the race. Moreover, Building America’s Future, a conservative organization previously supported by Musk, has invested $1.6 million in television spots targeting the liberal contender. Musk’s support is directed towards Brad Schimel, a judge from Waukesha County and former state attorney general, known for aligning with Trump. Schimel was also present at Trump’s inauguration.

Schimel’s competitor, Susan Crawford, is a judge from Dane County, endorsed by the Wisconsin Democratic Party and large Democratic benefactors, including philanthropist George Soros. Scheduled for April 1, this election is poised to be a significant early indicator for both major political parties following Trump’s sweeping victory in swing states, Wisconsin included, in the last presidential election.

The result bears significant weight as it determines whether the high court remains liberal-oriented, with substantial cases about abortion, union rights, election laws, and redistricting either pending or soon to be reviewed there. During a Wisconsin Counties Association gathering, Crawford criticized Musk’s influence, arguing that Musk is attempting to secure Schimel’s place on the court to advance an extreme agenda. Schimel’s campaign will present to the same association the following day.

Musk’s PAC declared its $1 million expenditure on campaign field operations in Wisconsin last week. Flyers distributed by the PAC feature an image of Trump urging voter turnout for Schimel to prevent liberal interference with Trump’s plans. Crawford accused Schimel of welcoming Musk’s endeavors, with Musk’s organization actively picking up voter contact efforts to bolster Schimel’s campaign, which she claims politicizes the judiciary.

In an interesting development, Tesla, Musk’s electric vehicle enterprise, initiated a lawsuit in January against Wisconsin’s restriction on Tesla-owned dealerships, a case that may ultimately arrive before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Crawford suggested Musk’s involvement signals a maneuver to safeguard Trump-related lawsuits on a state level.

Crawford labeled Musk’s actions as part of a broader scheme to overhaul the federal government, criticizing Musk’s link to Trump and his agenda as troubling. Conversely, Schimel’s spokesperson, Jacob Fischer, dismissed Crawford’s concerns, accusing her campaign of floundering while highlighting her past as an attorney opposing state laws such as the Voter ID law.

Fischer pointed to Soros’s $1 million financial support of Crawford as a counter to her arguments. Crawford defended her campaign’s reception of donations from multiple Democratic giants like Soros and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, asserting no promises have been made to these donors. While she maintained her nonpartisan status, Crawford boasted endorsements from over 175 judicial figures to substantiate her impartial stance in the race, securing backing from liberal justices, both incumbent and retired, on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.