The 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court Election: A Clash of Money and Ideology
The Shift in Financial Dynamics: Republicans Turn the Tide
The 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election has become a battleground for political ideologies, with a dramatic shift in financial influence compared to previous races. In 2023, Democrats had a significant advantage in funding, with Justice Janet Protasiewicz securing a landslide victory over Daniel Kelly. However, the tables have turned in 2025, as Republicans are now outspending Democrats, thanks in part to a massive influx of money from high-profile donors like Elon Musk. A super PAC funded by the tech billionaire has invested $2.3 million in just one week, targeting Republican voters with text messages, digital ads, and paid canvassers. This spending surge has allowed Republicans to regain financial momentum in a state where Democrats have historically dominated fundraising efforts.
The race pits Judge Brad Schimel, a Waukesha County judge and former Republican state attorney general, against Judge Susan Crawford, a Dane County judge with a history of representing liberal causes such as Planned Parenthood. As the election approaches, the financial stakes are clear: Republicans have spent or reserved $13.9 million on television ads, while Democrats have allocated $10.7 million. While the number of ads on air remains roughly equal due to differing ad rates for candidates and super PACs, the Republican spending has erased the financial advantage Democrats enjoyed in the 2023 race.
Elon Musk’s Influence: A New Player in Wisconsin Politics
Elon Musk’s involvement in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race has drawn significant attention. The billionaire, who is also leading efforts to shrink the federal government under President Trump, has become a key player in the state’s political landscape. His super PAC’s digital ads and campaign materials are specifically targeting Trump voters, urging them to turn out for the election. One flyer reads, "President Trump needs you to get out and vote," without directly mentioning Judge Schimel but instead attacking Judge Crawford. This strategy reflects a broader effort to mobilize Trump’s base, which has historically been less likely to vote in non-presidential elections.
Wisconsin GOP Chairman Brian Schimming has emphasized the importance of Trump voters in determining the race’s outcome, stating that Judge Schimel would likely win if 60% of Trump’s supporters turn out for him. The involvement of high-profile donors like Musk has also encouraged other conservative donors to invest in the race. Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein, prominent Illinois billionaires, have contributed $1.3 million to the Wisconsin GOP and an additional $2.4 million through their super PAC, Fair Courts America, to support Judge Schimel’s campaign.
The High Stakes of the Election: A Battle for Judicial Control
The outcome of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race carries enormous significance, as it will determine the ideological balance of the court for years to come. The winning side will secure a 4-3 majority, shaping decisions on critical issues such as abortion, voting access, collective bargaining laws, and congressional redistricting. If Judge Crawford prevails, liberals will maintain control of the court until at least 2028. On the other hand, a victory for Judge Schimel would hand conservatives the majority, with opportunities to challenge the court’s balance again in 2026 and 2027, when other conservative justices face re-election.
The race has also highlighted the broader implications of judicial elections, which are officially nonpartisan but increasingly dominated by partisan money and influence. Judge Daniel Kelly, the conservative candidate who lost in 2023, has expressed discomfort with the growing role of political parties in funding judicial campaigns. "I’m very uncomfortable with political parties making large contributions to judicial candidates," he said, warning that such practices undermine public trust in the court’s impartiality. His concerns reflect a growing debate over the influence of money in judicial races and the potential erosion of the judiciary’s independence.
Democrats’ Response: Mobilizing Small Donors and National Support
Despite the Republican spending surge, Democrats are fighting back with a mix of small-donor contributions and support from national figures. Judge Crawford’s campaign has seen a surge in individual donations, particularly after Musk’s super PAC began investing in the race. According to her campaign spokesman, Derrick Honeyman, Crawford received more individual contributions in the week following Musk’s initial spending than she had in the entire campaign up to that point. This grassroots momentum has been bolstered by high-profile endorsements and donations from figures like George Soros, who contributed $1 million to the race last month.
Wisconsin Democratic Chairman Ben Wikler has framed the election as a national moment of resistance against what he calls the "lawless regime of Donald Trump and Elon Musk." He urged Democrats across the country to support Crawford, describing her victory as a way to push back against conservative influence at the state and federal levels. "The answer to that question is to support Susan Crawford beating Brad Schimel," Wikler said. This call to action reflects the broader significance of the race, which has drawn attention and resources from beyond Wisconsin’s borders.
Lessons from 2023: A Cautionary Tale for Republicans
The 2023 Supreme Court race serves as a cautionary tale for Republicans, who were caught off guard by the overwhelming financial firepower of Democrats. Justice Janet Protasiewicz, the liberal candidate, spent more than four times as much as her conservative opponent, Daniel Kelly, and won by a surprising 11 percentage points. This victory flipped the ideological control of the court for the first time in 15 years and became the most expensive judicial contest in U.S. history, with over $50 million spent. Reid Hoffman, the billionaire co-founder of LinkedIn, played a key role in funding Protasiewicz’s campaign, donating $2.5 million to the state Democratic Party, which was then transferred to her campaign.
However, some major Democratic donors have scaled back their contributions in 2025, citing fatigue or shifting priorities. Hoffman, for example, has donated just $250,000 this year, compared to his earlier generosity. Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois, who gave $1 million in 2023, has contributed $500,000 this year. Despite this, Democrats remain optimistic about their chances, pointing to the surge in small-donor contributions and Judge Crawford’s strong grassroots support. Nevertheless, the financial landscape of the race has changed dramatically, with Republicans now holding the upper hand in spending.
Conclusion: The Role of Money in Shaping Wisconsin’s Judicial Future
The 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election underscores the growing influence of money in judicial races, raising critical questions about the independence of the judiciary and the role of partisan politics in shaping the courts. While Republicans have learned from their 2023 defeat and are now outspending Democrats, the race remains tightly contested, with both sides mobilizing their bases and relying on high-profile donors. Judge Crawford’s campaign has managed to rally small donors and national progressives, while Judge Schimel’s campaign has benefited from the support of wealthy conservatives like Elon Musk and the Uihlein family.
As the election approaches, the stakes could not be higher. The outcome will determine the ideological balance of Wisconsin’s highest court for years to come, influencing decisions on abortion, voting rights, and redistricting. It will also set a precedent for how money is used in future judicial races, potentially reshaping the landscape of state courts across the country. Whether Judge Crawford or Judge Schimel emerges victorious, one thing is clear: the role of money in politics continues to loom large, shaping the future of justice in Wisconsin and beyond.