Post Reports: Why Elon Musk Cares So Much About a Wisconsin Supreme Court Seat
Episode Release Date: March 31, 2025
Hosts: Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi
Introduction
In the March 31, 2025 episode of Post Reports by The Washington Post, host Colby Ikowicz delves into the high-stakes race for an open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This judicial contest has garnered significant attention not just for its legal implications but also for the influential figures backing the candidates, notably Elon Musk. Joined by reporter Patrick Marley, they explore the motivations behind Musk's deep involvement and the broader political ramifications tied to this race.
Overview of the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
The upcoming election on Tuesday marks one of the first major electoral contests since the 2024 presidential election, focusing on an open seat in the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Unlike typical judicial races, this contest has transformed into a battleground emblematic of larger political struggles, particularly between conservative forces led by Elon Musk and the Democratic Party.
Key Points:
- Proxy Battle: Many view the race as a proxy conflict between Trump-aligned conservatives and Democrats striving to maintain judicial influence.
- Expensive Contest: The race is currently the most expensive judicial election in history, with over $90 million spent, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU.
Elon Musk's Involvement and Strategies
Elon Musk, known primarily as the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has taken an unprecedented role in a state Supreme Court race. His involvement centers on supporting conservative candidate Brad Schimmel through significant financial investments and innovative campaign tactics.
Notable Quotes:
- Elon Musk [00:46]: "Reach out to your friends and family in Wisconsin. You know, educate them as to the importance of this race... it could decide the fate of the country."
Strategic Actions:
- Financial Backing: Musk's super PAC is investing over $20 million in digital ads and field operations to support Schimmel.
- Direct Voter Engagement: Initiatives include door-to-door campaigning with hired teams targeting conservative voters.
- Incentivizing Voters: Musk introduced a controversial petition offering $100 for signing and an additional $100 for referrals, with the chance to win $1 million through a lottery system.
Legal Challenges:
- Attorney General's Response: Josh Kahl, Wisconsin's Attorney General, filed a lawsuit against Musk's giveaway of $1 million checks, citing it as a violation of anti-voting bribery statutes. However, the state Supreme Court did not uphold Kahl's request, allowing Musk to continue his financial giveaways.
Event Highlight:
- Green Bay Rally [04:31]: Musk held a rally where he distributed $1 million checks to two voters, emphasizing attention to the low-turnout race. His actions, including donning a foam cheese head and interacting with a crowd dressed in MAGA gear, underscored his commitment to influencing the election outcome.
Candidates Profiles
Brad Schimmel (Republican Endorsement):
- Background: Former prosecutor and district attorney from Waukesha County, a suburb of Milwaukee.
- Political Stance: A staunch supporter of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. Despite the nonpartisan nature of the race, Schimmel is heavily backed by the Republican Party.
- Career Path: Served as Attorney General before losing re-election, subsequently appointed as a trial court judge in Waukesha County by outgoing Governor Scott Walker.
Susan Crawford (Democratic Endorsement):
- Background: Former chief counsel for Democratic Governor Jim Doyle and experienced in handling liberal causes. Currently a judge in Dane County, the region encompassing Madison.
- Political Stance: Aligns with liberal values, advocating for union rights and supporting organizations like Planned Parenthood. Endorsed by former President Barack Obama.
- Campaign Messaging: Emphasizes impartiality and the importance of right over left, aiming to contrast herself with Schimmel's perceived affiliations with Musk and Trump.
Notable Quotes:
- Susan Crawford [01:11]: "He started running these attack ads against me back in February... He doesn’t know anything about this state, but he wants to."
- Brad Schimmel [09:10]: "Justice is my life's work."
Strategies of Republicans and Democrats
Republican Strategy:
- Musk's Influence: Leverages Musk's substantial financial contributions and high-profile endorsements to galvanize conservative voters.
- Voter Mobilization: Focused on engaging Trump supporters through innovative campaigning and financial incentives, aiming to replicate previous successful low-turnout strategies.
Democratic Strategy:
- Counter-Narrative: Seeks to portray Brad Schimmel as a puppet of Elon Musk and Donald Trump, attempting to discredit his judicial impartiality.
- Grassroots Mobilization: Hosts town hall meetings labeled as "People vs. Musk," encouraging voters to express concerns over Musk’s and Trump's influence on state governance.
- Capitalizing on Discontent: Aims to channel liberal frustration with current political dynamics into voter turnout against Musk-backed candidates.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Wickler [15:54]: "If you are concerned about what Elon Musk and Donald Trump are doing to this country... raise your hand."
- Ben Wickler [16:27]: "He wants to operate outside the law, outside the Constitution... Nobody voted for Elon Musk to be President of the United States."
Stakes of the Race: Redistricting and Democratic Influence
A primary concern driving both Musk and the Democratic Party is the role of the Wisconsin Supreme Court in redistricting—the process of redrawing congressional and legislative maps following the census. The court's decisions can significantly influence political power dynamics by determining district boundaries that may favor one party over another.
Key Concerns:
- Conservative Fear: Musk and his allies fear that a Democratic-controlled court could redraw districts to advantage Democrats, potentially altering the balance in the House of Representatives.
- Democratic Perspective: Opponents argue that Musk's involvement is an undue influence that could compromise judicial impartiality and democratic integrity.
Notable Quotes:
- Elon Musk [06:29]: "This is about preserving democracy in America and not having ridiculous districts drawn that effectively disenfranchised voters in Wisconsin."
- Elon Musk [06:55]: "My view, this is about preserving democracy in America..."
Campaign Spending and Its Implications
The unprecedented level of financial investment in this judicial race has transformed it into a highly competitive and closely watched contest. Both sides have engaged prominent billionaires and leveraged extensive fundraising efforts to secure victory.
Funding Insights:
- Total Spending: Exceeds $90 million, making it the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history.
- Democratic Backing for Crawford: Supported by billionaires like J.B. Pritzker, Reid Hoffman, and George Soros, alongside substantial small donor contributions.
- Republican Backing for Schimmel: Dominated by Elon Musk's financial influence, outpacing other Republican donors.
Impact of Spending:
- Level Playing Field: Both candidates have access to vast resources, bringing the race to a balance where neither side holds a clear financial advantage.
- Voter Influence: Heavy spending influences voter outreach strategies, media coverage, and the overall visibility of the candidates.
Notable Quotes:
- Patrick Marley [19:33]: "The key point here is it's about even. And that's a change from the past where you had the liberals having a big financial advantage over the conservatives."
Implications for Future Elections and Voter Sentiment
This judicial race serves as an early indicator of voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. It reflects the ongoing struggle between conservative and liberal forces and the influence of high-profile figures like Musk and Trump in shaping political landscapes.
Potential Outcomes:
- Conservative Victory: Could solidify Republican control over redistricting, maintaining or expanding their influence in Congress.
- Democratic Victory: May counterbalance conservative efforts, ensuring fairer redistricting and potentially paving the way for Democratic gains in future elections.
Voter Engagement:
- High Stakes Despite Low Turnout: Although judicial races typically see lower voter turnout, the intense campaigning efforts aim to maximize participation among motivated bases.
- Indicator of Broader Trends: While not definitive, the results may hint at the effectiveness of current political strategies and the public’s response to influential backers like Elon Musk.
Notable Quotes:
- Patrick Marley [20:56]: "This is the first test of Trump 2.0... It’s a lot of room to grow because you have so many people who don't vote in these elections."
Conclusion
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race encapsulates a pivotal moment where judicial appointments intersect with broader political ambitions and influential personalities. Elon Musk's unprecedented financial involvement underscores the race's significance beyond state lines, potentially impacting national political dynamics. As both Republicans and Democrats deploy substantial resources and strategic campaigning, the outcome of this race will not only determine the future of Wisconsin's judiciary but also offer insights into the evolving landscape of American politics.
Produced by: Laura Benshoff
Mixed by: Shawn Carter
Edited by: Rena Flores
Special Thanks to: Dan Egan
For more detailed analyses and updates on this race and other significant elections, subscribe to Post Reports by The Washington Post.