The ongoing Supreme Court race in Wisconsin is setting new benchmarks for campaign spending, with megadonors from both political parties pouring millions into the high-stakes election. This battle is crucial for determining the ideological balance of the state's high court, making it one of the most closely watched contests in the nation. Notably, tech billionaire Elon Musk is significantly enhancing his political influence following his involvement in President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign.
In a recent announcement, Musk revealed that he would be visiting Wisconsin for an event on Sunday to celebrate winners of million-dollar giveaways organized by his super PAC. This strategy mirrors a controversial approach he utilized during last year’s elections. To date, Musk's personal contributions and expenditures by associated groups have exceeded $20 million in support of the upcoming race scheduled for April 1. His financial commitment underscores the substantial influence he wields in shaping electoral outcomes as the 2026 midterm elections draw near.
The leader of the Department of Government Efficiency has already begun to signal his support through smaller contributions to GOP lawmakers, solidifying his and Trump's control over the party. Meanwhile, Democratic megadonors are also heavily invested in this contest. Veteran financier George Soros has contributed $2 million to the state Democratic Party, and JB Pritzker, the billionaire governor of Illinois, has added $1.5 million to the mix.
According to Douglas Keith, a senior counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice’s Judiciary Program, "What’s happening in Wisconsin is unlike anything that has happened in any other state." This race has already surpassed the previous national record for a judicial election, which stood at $51 million from a prior Wisconsin Supreme Court race in 2023. As of now, total spending in the 2025 race has exceeded $70 million, according to data from the ad tracking firm AdImpact.
Supporters of the liberal candidate, Susan Crawford, have outspent those backing the conservative candidate, Brad Schimel, with approximately $40 million to $33 million. With millions more allocated for get-out-the-vote initiatives, including Musk’s super PAC giveaways, both parties view this election as a critical indicator of political sentiment in a key battleground state.
Crawford’s campaign recently announced record-breaking fundraising, reporting over $17 million raised in just the past month and a half—nearly $10 million more than Schimel, who raised $7.3 million during the same period. Overall, Crawford has amassed over $24 million since the inception of her campaign, roughly double Schimel’s total contributions.
Outside money has played a pivotal role in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, fueling campaign ads and field operations. Musk has emerged as a key figure, contributing $2 million to the Wisconsin Republican Party on March 20 and an additional $1 million on February 19. These funds can be redirected to Schimel’s campaign, enhancing his financial backing.
The super PAC Musk helped establish for Trump’s 2024 campaign, America PAC, has reported over $12 million in expenditures on various voter mobilization efforts, including digital media and phone banking. Notably, Musk is reviving a giveaway tactic from last year’s campaign, offering $1 million in prizes to individuals who sign a petition aimed at increasing voter turnout. Musk announced that he would award two winners during his Wisconsin event.
However, Musk's campaign tactics have not gone unchallenged. Josh Kaul, Wisconsin’s Democratic Attorney General, announced plans to pursue legal action against Musk’s PAC, aiming to obtain a court order that would prevent the cash giveaways. The Wisconsin Elections Commission has acknowledged the unprecedented surge in campaign activity but noted that many voter concerns do not constitute violations of Wisconsin election laws.
Advertisement spending has intensified as both candidates and their supporters grapple with the influence of outside money. Some ads have targeted Musk directly, while others have highlighted the financial backing from Democratic megadonors like Soros and Pritzker. The candidates have clashed over the implications of this funding during debates, with Crawford criticizing Musk’s financial involvement, labeling it as detrimental to her opponent's campaign.
Schimel countered by denouncing Crawford’s support from Soros, an endorsement he deemed dangerous. The Wisconsin political landscape is rife with tension as both sides prepare for the final stretch of the race.
Advertising strategies have focused on critical issues such as abortion rights and crime policies. Ads supporting Crawford emphasize her opposition to Schimel’s stance on abortion, especially in light of the state’s impending decision on an 1849 law banning abortion. Meanwhile, Schimel’s campaign has adopted a tough-on-crime approach, criticizing Crawford’s judicial decisions.
As the election date approaches, both candidates are seeking to frame the Wisconsin Supreme Court race as a referendum on national issues, linking it to broader political sentiments under the Trump administration.
The financial and advertising blitz surrounding this election is unprecedented, with final spending estimates potentially reaching $100 million. Nick Ramos, the executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, indicated that this race could double the previous spending record. As Keith from the Brennan Center warns, the influx of money and aggressive campaigning may erode public confidence in the judiciary, making it increasingly difficult for voters to perceive judges as impartial arbiters of justice.
