On April 1st, Wisconsin voters will cast their ballots in a pivotal election that will shape the state’s Supreme Court for years to come. But this is no ordinary judicial race. It has become a national flashpoint, a referendum not just on the new administration, but also on the growing political influence of billionaire Elon Musk.

Musk has poured millions into backing Brad Schimel, a conservative candidate with deep ties to the Trump movement. Schimel has openly aligned himself with Trump’s agenda, promising to be part of the "support system" for the administration. His opponent, Judge Susan Crawford, is backed by Democrats and progressive groups fighting to keep Wisconsin’s courts independent from billionaire influence.

Elon Musk’s Shadow Over the Election

Musk's super PAC, America PAC, has spent over $14 million in ads and canvassing efforts in Wisconsin, with total spending expected to reach $20 million on this Supreme Court seat. Musk himself has hosted events on his social media platform, X, urging conservatives to vote for Schimel. His message is clear: this election is a stepping stone to cementing a conservative grip on the judiciary, ensuring that his political and financial interests are protected.

Why does Musk care so much about Wisconsin’s Supreme Court? The answer lies in his personal stake. Tesla is currently suing Wisconsin over laws that prohibit car manufacturers from operating their own dealerships. If the case reaches the state Supreme Court, Musk wants justices who will rule in his favor.

The Issues at Stake

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is set to rule on several critical issues that will impact both the state and the nation. These include:

1.) Abortion Rights

With the fall of Roe v. Wade, abortion rights are now decided at the state level. Wisconsin’s Supreme Court will soon hear cases that could determine whether abortion remains legal in the state. Schimel is expected to side with efforts to restrict or outright ban abortion access.

2.) Voting Rights and Election Integrity

Trump’s allies have long pushed for restrictive voting laws that would make it harder for certain groups, mainly minorities and young voters, to cast their ballots. In 2020, Wisconsin’s Supreme Court rejected Trump’s attempt to overturn his loss in the state by a single vote. With Schimel on the bench, the court could be more willing to entertain future challenges to election results.

3.) Worker Protections and Union Rights

Musk and other conservative billionaires have sought to weaken labor unions and roll back worker protections. Schimel has already voiced support for policies that would make it harder for workers to organize and negotiate fair wages. A conservative majority on the court could strip away key labor rights in Wisconsin, setting a precedent for other states to follow.

4.) Redistricting and Congressional Maps

Perhaps the most immediate impact of this election will be on Wisconsin’s congressional districts. The court is expected to rule on whether to redraw the state’s heavily gerrymandered maps, which currently favor Republicans. Musk has explicitly stated that keeping these maps intact is crucial to ensuring continued Republican control of Congress. If the court allows for a fairer redistricting process, Democrats could gain up to two congressional seats—potentially flipping control of the House of Representatives in 2026.

The Battle Over the Courts

The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is officially nonpartisan, but the reality is anything but. Schimel has openly embraced Trump’s endorsement, appearing at MAGA rallies, and repeating debunked claims about voter fraud. His campaign has leaned heavily on Musk’s financial backing, with America PAC running ads that frame the election as a fight to protect Trump’s agenda.

On the other side, Democrats have worked to mobilize voters by making this a referendum on Musk’s influence. Crawford’s campaign has run ads calling Schimel “Elon’s Judge,” while billboards across the state depict Musk as a puppeteer pulling the strings of the court. The Wisconsin Democratic Party has seen a surge in grassroots donations, with thousands of small-dollar donors contributing to counter Musk’s millions.

A Defining Moment for Democracy

Voters in Wisconsin have a choice on April 1st: allow Musk to buy their courts, or stand up for democracy. The outcome will resonate far beyond the state’s borders. The fight for Wisconsin’s Supreme Court is a fight for the future of the country.

The stakes could not be higher. The decisions made by this court will affect abortion access, voting rights, worker protections, and the balance of power in Washington. A win for Schimel and Musk would entrench conservative dominance for years. A win for Crawford would be a victory for judicial independence and the fight against billionaire influence in politics.

Stay informed, stay engaged, and join our fight for a progressive future at No Dem Left Behind!