Billionaire battle lines are drawn in Wisconsin as the state’s Supreme Court seat becomes the latest high-stakes political showdown. Elon Musk and George Soros are pouring millions into a judicial contest that could flip the ideological balance of power in this crucial swing state. It looks like Soros has finally met his match in Musk.
At a glance:
• Early voting for Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election began March 18 with Democrat-backed Susan Crawford facing Republican-supported Brad Schimel
• Billionaires are heavily invested: Elon Musk donated over $11 million to Schimel while George Soros and J.B. Pritzker contributed $1.5 million to Crawford
• The April 1 election will determine if Wisconsin’s Supreme Court maintains its liberal majority or shifts back to conservative control
• Key issues include abortion access, legislative maps, and election rules that could impact the November presidential election
• The race has attracted national attention with Donald Trump Jr. and Charlie Kirk supporting Schimel, while Tim Walz and Eric Holder back Crawford
Billionaire Showdown In Wisconsin
Early voting is underway in a Wisconsin Supreme Court race that has caught the attention of two of the most recognizable billionaires in the world. The election pits Republican-backed Brad Schimel against Democrat-supported Susan Crawford in what has become a proxy battle for control of the swing state’s judicial future.
Elon Musk has thrown his significant financial weight behind Schimel, with his affiliated groups donating over $11 million to support the conservative candidate. Meanwhile, liberal billionaire George Soros has contributed around $1.5 million to Crawford’s campaign.
The April 1 election will determine whether Wisconsin’s Supreme Court maintains the liberal majority it gained in 2023 or shifts back to conservative control. This balance of power has already significantly impacted the state, with the current liberal-leaning court having ruled against Republican-drawn legislative maps and in favor of absentee ballot drop boxes.
High Stakes For Abortion And Election Rules
Crawford has positioned herself as a defender of abortion access and has received endorsements from Planned Parenthood. In contrast, Schimel has advocated for allowing Wisconsin voters to decide on abortion legislation rather than having the court determine policy.
“If Elon Musk is trying to get some result in that lawsuit, he may be failing because I enforce the law and I respect the laws passed by the Legislature,” Schimel stated when confronted about Musk’s substantial financial support.
The conservative candidate also called George Soros “a dangerous person to have an endorsement from,” highlighting the ideological divide in the race.
The candidates also clashed over Act 10, the controversial 2011 law that limited collective bargaining rights for public employees in Wisconsin. Crawford indicated she might recuse herself from cases involving Act 10, which she previously opposed, while Schimel pledged to defend the law, affirming it “was a validly passed law.”
National Political Figures Rally Support
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race has attracted national attention, with prominent Republicans rallying behind Schimel. Donald Trump Jr. and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk have publicly supported the conservative candidate, recognizing the race’s importance to the upcoming presidential election.
Crawford’s campaign has received backing from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, demonstrating Democrats’ understanding of the race’s significance. The election outcome could impact critical issues from legislative maps to election rules in a state that might determine the 2024 presidential result.
Has Musk accidentally set himself up to become the George Soros of the right?
