Wisconsin votes in record-cost Supreme Court race
Voters in Madison, Wisconsin began casting ballots in what has become the most expensive judicial contest in U.S. history, with over $90 million spent on a Supreme Court race that serves as an early referendum on Donald Trump's presidency.
The high-stakes election pits liberal county judge Susan Crawford against conservative former Republican state attorney general Brad Schimel for a seat on Wisconsin's Supreme Court, which currently holds a 4-3 liberal majority. While technically non-partisan, the race has clear political dimensions, with Trump endorsing Schimel and both state parties backing their preferred candidates.
Elon Musk and political groups tied to the billionaire have contributed more than $21 million to the race, according to the Brennan Center at New York University, highlighting the national significance of this state judicial contest. The unprecedented financial investment has sparked debates about the influence of money in judicial elections.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court is expected to issue crucial rulings on voting rights and election procedures ahead of the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential election, when Wisconsin will likely remain a pivotal battleground state. Trump won Wisconsin in November by less than one percentage point, the closest margin of any state.
Beyond election rules, the court will likely decide whether abortion remains legal statewide and could revisit Republican legislation that previously restricted collective bargaining rights for most public employee unions.
Voter engagement has been exceptionally high, with some polling stations in Milwaukee reportedly experiencing ballot shortages due to unexpectedly strong turnout. The election underscores how state judicial races have become increasingly nationalized contests with far-reaching implications for policies on abortion, labor rights, and election administration.
The outcome will shape Wisconsin's legal landscape for years to come, affecting issues critical to both Democrats and Republicans in this closely divided swing state.
