In Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Donald Trump Jr. addressed a Republican rally on Monday, underscoring the critical importance of securing a victory in the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race. He emphasized that this win is crucial for upholding his fatherโs policy agenda and sustaining GOP momentum as the 2026 midterms and prospective presidential election loom.
At the rally organized by Turning Point USA, a group founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Trump Jr. called on his fatherโs supporters to participate actively in the Supreme Court election scheduled for two weeks later. He underscored that voter turnout in this ostensibly nonpartisan but highly charged contest could significantly impact the broader Trump agenda.
Describing it as a pivotal moment, Trump Jr. encouraged voters to engage now for future political battles, warning that a defeat could stagnate his fatherโs presidency. โThis presidency can be put to a halt with this vote,โ he remarked, emphasizing the electionโs significance in potentially thwarting Democratic efforts to counteract Trumpโs policies.
The result of the April 1 election will sway the balance of Wisconsinโs Supreme Court, determining whether conservative or liberal justices hold majority control, as it confronts key issues including abortion rights, union powers, voting laws, and district delineations.
Held in predominantly Republican Waukesha County, the rally drew significant attendance on the eve of the commencement of early voting. The Republican candidate, Brad Schimel, stood alongside well-known Wisconsin GOP figures such as former Governor Scott Walker, state party leaders, and legislative members, rallying the troops.
Schimel, with a background as a Waukesha County judge and former attorney general, is contending against Susan Crawford, a Democratic-aligned Dane County judge, in what is perceived as a gauge of Wisconsin votersโ sentiments towards Trumpโs early presidential tenure. Urging voters to remain proactive, Schimel questioned, โDo you think the job is done? We have to stay vigilant, and we have to stay on this.โ
A longstanding Trump ally, Schimel was in attendance at the presidentโs inauguration and recently featured at a prominent MAGA rally, pictured with a giant Trump effigy beside a campaign poster supporting his bid for the Supreme Court.
In response to the event, Wisconsin Democratic Party representative Joe Oslund criticized Schimel for his apparent allegiance to Trump and his family. Although President Trump has not offered an explicit endorsement, event attendees expressed hopeful anticipation that his influence could aid Schimelโs campaign.
Attendee Soslan Temanson, a 26-year-old Trump supporter, highlighted the electionโs pivotal nature: โI canโt overemphasize the importance of this election,โ he stated, stressing the critical focus on Wisconsin.
Known for its fiercely competitive presidential races, Wisconsin recently saw a liberal candidate win the last Supreme Court election by a significant margin. In response, Republicans, with significant financial backing from individuals like Elon Musk, are investing heavily in this yearโs race to prevent another defeat.
This Supreme Court contest has become the costliest in U.S. history, with more than $11 million invested from groups aligned with Musk, who is closely associated with Trump. Meanwhile, Democratic efforts, supported by billionaires such as George Soros and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, are rallying behind Crawford. As part of these efforts, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz planned to host a town hall meeting in Wisconsin to advocate for early voting, with former Democratic Attorney General Eric Holder campaigning for Crawford in Milwaukee.