The Wisconsin Supreme Court vote is getting national attention and millions from Musk

Npr - Mar 31st, 2025
Open on Npr

The race for the Wisconsin Supreme Court has become a battleground for critical issues like abortion rights, voting laws, and union powers. The election, which takes place on Tuesday, could have significant implications both at the state and national levels. The court's future rulings may influence whether Wisconsin redraws its congressional districts, potentially affecting the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. The conservative candidate, Judge Brad Schimel, is backed by former President Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, while liberal Judge Susan Crawford has the support of former President Obama and billionaire George Soros. The campaign is expected to see unprecedented spending, with estimates reaching $100 million, making it the most expensive state judge race ever, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.

The implications of this election are vast, given Wisconsin's status as a swing state. The outcome may serve as a barometer for former President Trump's influence and Democratic energy post-2024 presidential election. The race is non-partisan by design, yet it has been heavily influenced by partisan politics, with issues like abortion laws, voter ID requirements, and transgender rights taking center stage. Musk's involvement, particularly his financial contributions and strategic campaign interventions, have added a layer of complexity, with Crawford's supporters accusing him of trying to 'buy' the court. The race underscores the escalating influence of money in judicial elections and its potential to sway significant legal and political outcomes in the state and beyond.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and timely examination of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, highlighting its significance in both state and national contexts. It effectively outlines the candidates, their endorsements, and the issues at stake, engaging with topics of broad public interest. The use of reputable sources adds credibility, though the story could benefit from greater transparency in how information was gathered and verified. While the narrative is clear and accessible, a more balanced presentation of the candidates and deeper exploration of controversial aspects would enhance its comprehensiveness. Overall, the article succeeds in informing readers about a pivotal election with far-reaching implications.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story provides a comprehensive overview of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, detailing the candidates, their endorsements, and the issues at stake. The mention of the election's importance due to its potential impact on abortion rights, voting rights, and public employee unions is accurate and aligns with known facts about the court's influence. However, some claims, such as the specific financial contributions from Elon Musk and George Soros, require further verification, as the figures provided may not match publicly available data. Additionally, the story's assertion about the race being the most expensive state judge race ever needs corroboration with authoritative sources like The Brennan Center for Justice.

6
Balance

The article attempts to present both sides of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race by detailing the backgrounds and endorsements of both candidates, Susan Crawford and Brad Schimel. However, there seems to be an imbalance in how the candidates are portrayed, with more emphasis on the controversial aspects of Musk's involvement, potentially skewing the reader's perception. The article could benefit from a more balanced presentation by equally highlighting the controversies or criticisms surrounding both candidates and their supporters.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language to convey the main points about the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. It effectively lays out the candidates, the stakes, and the broader political context, making it accessible to readers unfamiliar with the specifics of the election. However, the narrative could be enhanced by providing more context or definitions for terms that might be unfamiliar to some readers, such as the significance of 'activist judges' or the historical context of the 1849 abortion law.

8
Source quality

The story cites reputable sources such as NPR and Wisconsin Public Radio, which are known for their journalistic integrity. The involvement of multiple reporters from different outlets adds credibility and depth to the reporting. However, the article could improve by directly quoting or referencing specific statements from these sources to provide stronger attribution and enhance the reliability of the claims made within the story.

7
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative on the election's significance and the candidates involved, but it lacks detailed explanation of the methodology used to gather and verify the information presented. While it mentions the sources of financial contributions and endorsements, it does not fully disclose how these figures were obtained or verified. Greater transparency in these areas would help readers better understand the basis of the claims and any potential biases.

Sources

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Wisconsin_Supreme_Court_election
  2. https://pbswisconsin.org/news-item/who-has-momentum-for-the-2025-wisconsin-supreme-court-vote/
  3. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-you-need-to-know-about-wisconsins-supreme-court-race
  4. https://statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/featured/2025/explainer-wisconsin-supreme-court-race/
  5. https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/article/protecting-our-freedoms-2025-wisconsin-supreme-court-race