Billionaire donors are making significant financial contributions to influence the critical Wisconsin Supreme Court race, which could shift the ideological balance of the court.
The election is set for April 1 and features Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford facing off against Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel. The outcome will be pivotal in determining if the court will maintain its liberal stance or transition to a conservative majority in this politically contested state.
Following in the footsteps of the 2023 judicial race, which became the most costly in U.S. history, this year’s election is projected to escalate in financial stakes. It has already captured the attention of high-profile billionaires, including Elon Musk, a notable advocate of former President Donald Trump.
While the race is officially nonpartisan, recent campaign finance disclosures reveal the involvement of prominent political megadonors. Noteworthy contributions include a $1 million donation from Democratic benefactor George Soros to the Wisconsin Democratic Party in January. Additional significant donations came from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker at $500,000, Milwaukee philanthropist Lynde Uihlein at $490,000, and other affluent donors such as Gloria Page and Reid Hoffman, contributing $470,000 and $250,000 respectively.
Following these substantial donations, the Democratic Party has funneled $2 million into Crawford’s campaign, building on a previous contribution of $1 million. Crawford’s campaign has positioned her as an ideal candidate for Soros’s investment, suggesting she has a specific agenda aligned with progressive values.
On the Republican front, business magnate Diane Hendricks donated a striking $970,000 to the state GOP in January. Other notable donors include Liz Uihlein, providing $650,000, and Joe Ricketts, who contributed $500,000. Shortly after, the Wisconsin Republican Party directed nearly $1.7 million to Schimel’s campaign, with Hendricks also contributing the maximum allowable amount of $20,000 directly to him.
Wisconsin law stipulates that individual contributions to Supreme Court candidates cannot exceed $20,000; however, political parties can receive unlimited amounts to distribute to candidates.
Haley McCoy, representing the Wisconsin Democratic Party, criticized Schimel, accusing him of appealing to “radical right-wing billionaires” for funding. Schimel’s campaign has reported total fundraising of $5.1 million since his December 2023 entry into the race, bolstered by Republican Party support. In contrast, Crawford has achieved over $7.7 million in fundraising since starting her campaign in June, with substantial backing from the state Democratic Party.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has played a crucial role in contentious issues in recent years, such as the 2020 presidential election results and legislative redistricting decisions. Current cases involving abortion rights and a 2011 anti-union law are pending, with more challenges on reproductive rights, election laws, and congressional redistricting expected to follow.