In Madison, Wisconsin, the race for the Supreme Court seat is heating up as voting draws to a close. Candidates are conducting a statewide campaign push, as early voting numbers have reached an all-time high with expenditures nearing an unprecedented $100 million. The contest features Brad Schimel, a Waukesha County judge and former Republican attorney general, and Susan Crawford, a judge from Dane County with a history of defending abortion rights and union power.
Elon Musk, a top advisor to former President Donald Trump, rallied in Green Bay to advocate for Schimel. This election holds the potential to tilt the 4-3 liberal-leaning court and will likely influence critical issues such as abortion rights, redistricting, union authority, and election laws in Wisconsin for years to come. Speaking in Madison, Crawford emphasized the stakes of the election, asserting that it could impact fundamental rights and freedoms.
With early voting concluded, statistics from the Wisconsin Elections Commission reveal that at least 644,800 individuals cast their votes as of Sunday. This figure significantly surpasses the previous Supreme Court election in 2023, with early voting numbers increasing by 57% from the prior election cycle. In Milwaukee, a predominantly Democratic County, early voting rose by 40%, while Dane County reported a 43% increase. The suburban Milwaukee counties, often referred to as the WOW counties, have also seen a significant uptick in ballots, with Waukesha County witnessing a 62% jump.
Schimel expressed optimism about the increasing voter engagement while canvassing in Madison alongside former Republican Gov. Scott Walker. However, Walker expressed measured confidence, cautious due to a Republican push for absentee voting. Party affiliation remains undisclosed in Wisconsin, making it difficult to ascertain the political leanings of the ballots cast.
In Sauk County, a notable swing-voting area, some Democrats, like Jim Greenwood, were campaigning vigorously to secure votes for Crawford. Mary Bellis, a resident who usually leans Democratic, decided to support Crawford as a way to check Trump’s influence, highlighting her concerns about Trump’s authority extending uninterrupted.
The race symbolizes a broader political clash, magnified by significant financial backing. Musk has contributed over $21 million, emphasizing the election’s national political weight. Conversely, Crawford has benefited from major contributions by billionaire donor George Soros and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
The race has already exceeded $90 million in spending, nearly doubling the previous spending high. Musk and Trump have supported Schimel as a safeguard for Trump’s policy agenda, with potential implications for congressional district boundaries in favor of Democrats. Trump, addressing the stakes during an Oval Office appearance, underscored Wisconsin’s political importance, particularly with its court’s influence over election legislation.
Schimel’s campaign has capitalized on his endorsement from Trump, focusing on sentiments to bolster Trump’s policies. In contrast, Crawford’s supporters spotlight Musk’s involvement as a pivotal factor for liberal voters. Musk, describing the election’s significance at an event in Green Bay, stated it could be critical for the civilization’s future.