In Madison, Wisconsin, candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court are set to engage in their only scheduled debate before the April 1 election. This election is crucial for determining the ideological balance of the court, potentially influencing significant decisions on topics like abortion rights, union strength, voting regulations, and congressional redistricting. The race has drawn attention, notably from presidential adviser Elon Musk, as it serves as an early indicator during President Donald Trump’s tenure in the swing state.
The candidates vying for the position are Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel, a past Republican attorney general, and Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford, endorsed by the Democrats in her first statewide campaign.
On the issue of abortion rights, Crawford has garnered support from Planned Parenthood, having previously represented the organization in abortion-related cases during her legal career. She advocates for abortion rights and critiques the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Conversely, Schimel, backed by anti-abortion entities, upholds the validity of an 1849 state law prohibiting abortions, arguing against any constitutional right to abortion in the state. Despite their divergent personal beliefs, both candidates insist these views will not influence their judgements.
Union rights and voter ID laws are pivotal in this race. Crawford challenged the state’s law that dismantled collective bargaining for public workers, known as Act 10, which controversially redefined Wisconsin’s union landscape a decade ago. A ruling deeming parts of the law unconstitutional is anticipated to reach the Supreme Court. Schimel, in his former capacity as attorney general, supported Act 10, opposing its application to police and firefighter unions. Additionally, Crawford contested the state’s voter ID law, ultimately unsuccessfully, while current efforts seek to embed it in the state constitution, potentially complicating any future reversals.
The handling of untested sexual assault evidence is another significant issue. Crawford criticized Schimel’s pace as attorney general in addressing a backlog of roughly 4,000 untested kits, although he cited logistical difficulties in tackling this backlog. The state managed to resolve these delays in 2019, the year following Schimel’s tenure.
The candidates have been accused by each other’s campaigns of being lenient on crime, with television ads highlighting specific judicial cases to substantiate these claims. Schimel, with a background as Waukesha County’s district attorney, enjoys support from numerous law enforcement bodies. Meanwhile, Crawford’s experience as a prosecutor for the attorney general’s office under a Democratic leadership has secured her the endorsement of prominent county sheriffs and judges.
The impact of this election extends beyond Wisconsin, attracting considerable financial contributions. Control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which has been liberal since 2023, could shift back to conservative hands, a situation that was a constant for 15 years. Significant funding and attention from groups backed by Elon Musk have bolstered Schimel with over $8 million, while Crawford has received support from figures like George Soros and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, though not matching the financial weight of Musk’s backing.
Prominent political figures such as Donald Trump Jr. and activist Charlie Kirk are scheduled to host a town hall event in Wisconsin, aiming to rally support for Schimel and encourage voter turnout just ahead of the election.
