A Judge’s Quest: Balancing Trump Loyalty and Judicial Integrity
In the heart of Wisconsin’s battleground politics, Judge Schimel is navigating a complex campaign for the state Supreme Court, blending his loyalty to former President Donald Trump with the expectations of judicial impartiality. During a recent rally, Judge Schimel acknowledged Trump’s controversial remarks about women, stating, “I know that Donald Trump has said some things that are bad,” but quickly pivoted to emphasize Trump’s commitment to appointing judges who would defend the Constitution. As a father of two daughters, he expressed discomfort with Trump’s rhetoric but framed his support as a strategic move to restore a conservative majority to the court. This balancing act reflects the broader dynamics of Wisconsin’s political landscape, where Trump remains a polarizing yet influential figure.
Judge Schimel’s campaign has embraced a decidedly partisan tone, mirroring the approach used by Wisconsin Democrats in past elections. He has openly endorsed Trump, attended campaign rallies, and even donned a Trump-inspired costume at a Halloween party, where he played bass guitar while wearing a reflective vest reminiscent of Trump’s campaign attire. Such gestures have drawn criticism, particularly from liberals who view his partisan stance as incompatible with the nonpartisan nature of the judiciary. Despite this, Schimel’s strategy appears calculated to energize Trump’s base, particularly in a state that has been a battleground in recent presidential elections.
The Trump Factor: Leveraging Loyalty and Controversy
Judge Schimel’s campaign has not shied away from Trump’s influence, even as it raises questions about judicial independence. He has echoed Trump’s baseless claims about election integrity, attended rallies, and sought to position himself as a key ally in Trump’s broader political agenda. In private settings, Schimel has expressed a desire to build a “support network” around Trump, framing the courts as a critical battleground in the struggle against Democratic opposition. At a recent event hosted by the conservative group Turning Point Action, he accused Democrats of undermining Trump’s agenda, declaring, “They’re so desperate for him to not get a win that they won’t let America have a win.”
Despite his strong allegiance to Trump, Schimel has attempted to draw a line between his personal loyalty and his judicial duties. During a televised debate, he stated, “I don’t have any personal loyalty to him that supersedes the oath I take as a judge,” adding that he would rule against Trump if the law required it. However, he stopped short of criticizing Trump’s failed efforts to overturn the 2020 election, declined to comment on whether the court’s rejection of those efforts was correct, and has continued to align himself with Trump’s rhetoric and policies. This dual stance has left many voters questioning whether his loyalty to Trump could influence his decisions on the bench.
Musk’s Millions: A New Player in Wisconsin Politics
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race has become a multimillion-dollar battleground, with Elon Musk’s super PAC investing $6.2 million and counting in support of Judge Schimel. This influx of funds has reshaped the dynamics of the race, allowing Republicans to outraise and outspend their Democratic counterparts. Musk’s involvement has also become a central issue in the campaign, with Democrats framing the election as a fight against the billionaire’s influence. Liberal challenger Susan Crawford has labeled Schimel “Elon Schimel,” while the state Democratic Party has launched ads and town halls aimed at highlighting Musk’s role in the race.
The focus on Musk reflects a broader strategy by Democrats to capitalize on voters’ negative perceptions of the billionaire. A recent Marquette University Law School poll found that 97% of Democrats viewed Musk unfavorably, with many expressing outrage over his controversial statements and actions. Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler described the situation as “white-hot rage,” seizing on Musk’s polarizing image to galvanize their base. At the same time, Musk’s super PAC has targeted Trump voters with a clear message: supporting Schimel is essential to advancing Trump’s agenda. Direct mailings from the group declare, “President Trump needs your vote. Liberal Susan Crawford will stop President Trump’s agenda.”
A Historic Race: Money, Politics, and the Courts
The 2024 Wisconsin Supreme Court race has already surpassed the 2023 contest as the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, with over $59 million spent to date. This staggering figure underscores the high stakes of the race, which could determine the ideological direction of the court for years to come. Liberals are fighting to maintain their fragile majority, achieved in 2023 amid widespread anger over the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Now, Republicans are seeking to reclaim control, buoyed by Musk’s financial backing and Schimel’s unapologetic embrace of Trumpism.
Judge Crawford, Schimel’s liberal opponent, has positioned herself as a defender of abortion rights and judicial independence. While she has avoided overtly partisan rhetoric, her campaign has emphasized the importance of checks on partisan power and the need for a court that prioritizes fairness over ideology. Crawford has also highlighted her experience as a Dane County judge and her commitment to upholding the Constitution, contrast