Green Bay, Wisconsin is at the center of a pivotal election, as Elon Musk and his political operatives strive to sway the outcome of the closely watched Wisconsin Supreme Court race. This election is particularly significant due to the potential shift in the court's majority, which currently leans liberal with a 4-3 advantage. With the retirement of a liberal justice this year, the control of the court is now up for grabs, making this race a focal point for political activity.
Since early February, Musk's America PAC has deployed paid canvassers across Wisconsin, targeting potential voters for conservative candidate Brad Schimel, who advanced in a recent nonpartisan primary. Schimel is set to face liberal challenger Susan Crawford for an open seat on the state’s highest court. America PAC has committed over $4.3 million to canvassing efforts, which are expected to reach hundreds of thousands of voters before the election.
Brian Schimming, the state Republican chairman, remarked, “As I travel around the state, I’ve been hearing from quite a few folks who say they’ve got America PAC knocks at their doors.” This outreach has been aggressive in traditionally Republican areas like Waukesha County and has also extended to blue-collar regions such as Racine County and Sauk County.
During a recent America PAC event in Green Bay, Musk emphasized the high stakes of the election, declaring that Schimel was in danger of losing. He called for a massive mobilization effort, urging attendees to become “block captains” who could earn $20 for canvassing their neighborhoods. Musk’s rhetoric underscored the significance of this election, stating, “I think this will be important for the future of civilization. It’s that significant.”
Despite America PAC's refusal to disclose specific details about their operations, their involvement highlights Musk's growing influence in Republican politics. Known for his close ties with former President Donald Trump, Musk has pledged more than $200 million to support Trump and his allies in key battleground states, including Wisconsin, where Trump secured a narrow victory in the last election.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court is expected to make critical rulings on issues such as abortion rights, congressional redistricting, union power, and voting regulations, all of which could significantly impact the upcoming 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election. America PAC's efforts to elevate Schimel's profile coincide with his public alignment with both Trump and Musk, suggesting a coordinated strategy to attract Republican voters.
As America PAC boosts Schimel's campaign, liberal forces are also mobilizing. Crawford, who has gained support from prominent figures like George Soros and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, has branded her opponent as “Elon Schimel” during debates, indicating a concerted effort to tie Schimel to Musk’s controversial reputation. Protesters have taken to the streets, voicing their discontent with Musk’s influence in the judicial race.
The financial backing for Schimel’s campaign has reached unprecedented levels, with America PAC spending over $17 million, making this the most expensive judicial race in American history. A significant portion of that funding has been allocated to grassroots canvassing initiatives. As of a week before the election, America PAC had invested $4.3 million solely on canvassing, according to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.
In contrast, other groups, such as Americans for Prosperity, have spent only a fraction of that amount, highlighting the aggressive strategy employed by America PAC in this critical race. As the election approaches, the efforts in places like Sauk County, where past presidential candidates have faced close contests, are crucial to mobilizing voters who have previously supported Republican candidates.
As the Wisconsin Supreme Court election looms, the intense campaigning by America PAC and the attention drawn by Musk showcase the evolving landscape of political influence and voter engagement in key battleground areas.
