Musk-funded political group spends big and goes door to door in Wisconsin Supreme Court race

Los Angeles Times - Mar 31st, 2025

Elon Musk's America PAC has significantly influenced the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, backing conservative candidate Brad Schimel with a robust canvassing effort that has reached hundreds of thousands of potential voters. The PAC has poured over $4.3 million into canvassing alone, part of a larger $17 million campaign, making this the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history. Musk's involvement underscores his growing influence in Republican politics, with America PAC's efforts supported by a $200 million commitment from Musk for the 2024 presidential election in key swing states.

The stakes in this election are high, as the Wisconsin Supreme Court is set to rule on critical issues such as abortion rights, congressional redistricting, and voting rules. These decisions could have far-reaching implications for the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election. The race has drawn national attention, with liberal candidate Susan Crawford receiving backing from prominent Democrats like George Soros and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Musk's involvement has made him a focal point of Democratic criticism, highlighting the deep political divisions and the significant financial resources being marshaled in this pivotal judicial contest.

Elon Musk Campaign Finance Wisconsin Supreme Court America Pac Political Influence Susan Crawford Brad Schimel Judicial Election Republican Politics Democratic Opposition

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RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and engaging exploration of Elon Musk's influence in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. It effectively highlights the stakes and potential implications of the election, capturing public interest and sparking discussions about campaign finance and political influence. However, the article could benefit from a more balanced perspective, incorporating viewpoints from opposing parties and providing greater transparency in its sourcing. Despite these limitations, the piece is well-structured and accessible, making it a valuable contribution to ongoing debates about the role of money in politics.

Accuracy

The article provides a detailed account of Elon Musk's involvement in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race through America PAC. It accurately describes the financial and strategic efforts made by Musk to influence the election outcome. However, some claims, such as the exact amount spent on canvassing and the legal implications of financial incentives, require verification. The article cites the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign for spending figures, which adds credibility, but the lack of direct quotes or official statements from America PAC or Musk himself limits the precision of the information.

Balance

The article presents a predominantly one-sided view, focusing heavily on Musk's influence and strategies, while less attention is given to the perspectives of Susan Crawford and her supporters. Although it mentions Crawford's backing by liberal billionaires, it does not delve deeply into their strategies or campaign efforts. This imbalance could lead readers to perceive the race as more influenced by Musk than it might be, potentially skewing public perception.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey its points, making it accessible to a general audience. It logically presents Musk's involvement and the stakes of the election, maintaining a neutral tone throughout. However, the inclusion of more detailed explanations of complex political strategies or legal implications could enhance reader comprehension.

Source quality

The article references the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, a credible source for campaign spending data. However, it lacks a variety of sources and relies heavily on statements from Republican figures like Brian Schimming. The absence of direct comments from America PAC or Musk reduces the depth of reporting. Including perspectives from neutral or opposing parties could enhance the reliability of the information presented.

Transparency

While the article provides some context about the Wisconsin Supreme Court race and the potential implications of its outcome, it lacks transparency regarding its sources and methodology. The absence of direct quotes from key figures or organizations involved, such as America PAC, diminishes the transparency of the reporting. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that may affect the reporting.