Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Highlights Musk's Influence on Politics
The recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election, won by liberal-leaning Judge Susan Crawford, underscores the significant role billionaire Elon Musk plays in American politics.
In a pivotal election that could alter the balance of the Wisconsin State Supreme Court, liberal candidate Susan Crawford emerged victorious, defeating conservative Judge Brad Schimel by a margin of 10 percentage points. This outcome not only preserves the liberal majority on the court but also signals potential shifts in rulings on critical issues such as congressional redistricting, voting rights, labor rights, and abortion.
The race, which became the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, saw heavy financial involvement from both Democratic and Republican-aligned groups. However, it was Elon Musk’s direct intervention that stirred controversy. As the head of Tesla and SpaceX, and a special adviser in Trump’s administration overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk contributed approximately $20 million to support Schimel. His actions included handing out $1 million checks at a rally in Green Bay to voters who had already cast their ballots, a move that drew significant attention and criticism.
Democrats celebrated Crawford’s win as a rejection of Musk’s and Trump’s influence, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stating that Wisconsin voters sent a clear message against the sale of democracy. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) viewed the election as a bellwether for the 2026 midterms, suggesting that public sentiment is shifting against Trump’s policies and Musk’s involvement in politics.
On the other hand, Republican National Committee chair Mike Whatley highlighted GOP victories in Florida’s special congressional elections, arguing that these results affirm support for Trump’s America First agenda. Despite Democratic candidates overperforming in these Republican-dominated districts, the GOP maintained control of the seats, providing a slight relief to their fragile majority in the House.
The Wisconsin and Florida elections come at a time when President Trump’s recent tariff announcements have sparked concerns about a potential global trade war, further complicating the political landscape as the nation approaches the next election cycle. As both parties analyze these outcomes, the role of influential figures like Elon Musk in shaping political narratives and election results remains a focal point of discussion and debate.