- Over $11 million combined spent by Soros and Musk in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race
- Election outcome impacts abortion access, redistricting, and voting policies
- 73% increase in out-of-state judicial election funding since 2020
As Wisconsin gears up for its April 1 Supreme Court election, an unprecedented clash of billionaire donors has transformed this local judicial race into a national political battleground. The contest between conservative-backed Brad Schimel and liberal-supported Susan Crawford now serves as a proxy war for America’s ideological divide, with George Soros and Elon Musk emerging as financial artillery for their respective camps.
Campaign finance disclosures reveal Musk-affiliated groups have deployed $10.3 million through super PACs, primarily funding attack ads painting Crawford as soft on crime. Meanwhile, Soros’ $2 million contribution to Wisconsin Democrats marks his largest single-state judicial investment this election cycle. This financial arms race underscores a troubling trend: 82% of TV ad spending in the race originates from external groups rather than candidate committees.
The implications extend far beyond Wisconsin’s borders. With four critical election law cases already queued for Supreme Court review, the winner could determine voting rules for the 2024 presidential contest. Legal analysts suggest the court might also revisit Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban, creating potential ripple effects for reproductive rights across Midwestern states.
This billionaire-fueled contest mirrors recent developments in Pennsylvania, where 2021 judicial elections saw record-breaking $15 million in external spending. However, Wisconsin’s unique public financing system – which provides candidates $100,000 in matching funds – has been rendered obsolete by the scale of billionaire contributions. Reform advocates now question whether states can maintain judicial independence amid growing nationalization of local courts.
Both campaigns face strategic dilemmas. Schimel’s team has shifted focus to localized crime statistics, despite 78% of his funding originating from Musk-affiliated national groups. Crawford, while benefiting from Soros’ financial network, has conspicuously avoided public appearances with national Democratic figures. This tightrope walk reflects Wisconsin’s political dichotomy: a purple state where 43% of voters identify as independents.
As election day approaches, turnout mechanisms tell contrasting stories. Republican-aligned groups have invested $2.1 million in rural radio ads emphasizing judicial restraint, while Democratic organizations target Milwaukee suburbs with mailers highlighting abortion rights. With early voting participation up 19% compared to 2020’s judicial race, both sides recognize this election may hinge on which billionaire’s narrative resonates with Wisconsin’s elusive swing voters.