What to know about Wisconsin's Supreme Court race

The Wisconsin Supreme Court race between liberal Judge Susan Crawford and conservative Judge Brad Schimel has become the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, with over $67 million spent on television ads. Notably, the race has garnered significant financial support from billionaires, including Elon Musk backing Schimel with $13 million and George Soros supporting Crawford. The election on April 1 is pivotal, as it will determine control of the state's highest court, which is set to rule on crucial issues like abortion laws, public sector unions, and voting rules.
This election is also a critical indicator of political sentiments in Wisconsin, a key battleground state, as it is the first significant election since Donald Trump returned to the White House. The race is seen as a test of Democratic enthusiasm and Republican alignment with Trump, with implications for upcoming midterms and the 2028 presidential election. The campaign strategies reflect this, with Republicans emphasizing Trump's agenda and Democrats framing the race as a battle against Musk's influence, highlighting the broader national stakes involved.
RATING
The article provides a detailed overview of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, focusing on its significance as the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history and the involvement of high-profile figures like Elon Musk. It effectively outlines the stakes, financial aspects, and political strategies of both parties, making it relevant and timely. However, the article could benefit from greater transparency regarding its sources and a more balanced representation of local voter perspectives. While it engages with controversial issues and has the potential to influence public opinion, its impact might be limited by the speculative nature of some claims and the lack of direct engagement with primary sources. Overall, the article serves as a comprehensive introduction to the race, but readers may need to seek additional sources for a deeper understanding of the underlying dynamics and implications.
RATING DETAILS
The article presents several claims that are largely supported by external sources. For example, the claim that the Wisconsin Supreme Court race is the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history is corroborated by reports indicating $67 million has been spent. The involvement of Elon Musk and other billionaires, like George Soros, in campaign financing is also consistent with available data. However, the article's assertion about Musk's unpopularity in Wisconsin requires further evidence, as this is presented as a given without direct polling data cited. Additionally, the claim about the race being a barometer for Trump's second term is speculative and lacks direct evidence linking voter sentiment to this specific interpretation.
The article attempts to provide a balanced view by presenting both Republican and Democratic strategies and perspectives. It discusses how Republicans are aligning with Trump's agenda while Democrats are positioning the race as a referendum on Musk. However, the piece could be seen as slightly skewed towards emphasizing the influence of outside billionaires, particularly Musk, potentially overshadowing local voter concerns and perspectives. Additionally, the portrayal of Musk as a central figure might not fully represent the complexities of the election dynamics.
The article is generally clear and well-structured, effectively outlining the key points of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. It logically presents the stakes involved, the financial aspects, and the political strategies of both parties. The language is straightforward, making the complex political dynamics accessible to readers. However, some sections could benefit from additional context, such as explaining the implications of the court's potential rulings on future elections.
The article lacks direct citations or references to primary sources, such as official spending reports or direct statements from the involved parties. While the Brennan Center for Justice is mentioned regarding spending figures, the absence of direct quotes or links to their reports limits the ability to verify these claims independently. Furthermore, the article does not detail the methodology behind the polling data it references, which affects the overall credibility of the claims made about public opinion.
The article provides limited transparency regarding its sources and the basis for its claims. It does not disclose how information was obtained or clarify potential conflicts of interest. For instance, the mention of Musk's unpopularity lacks supporting evidence or explanation of the polling methods used. Greater transparency in how the figures and opinions were derived would enhance the article's reliability.
Sources
- https://19thnews.org/2025/03/wisconsin-supreme-court-election-attention/
- https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/wisconsin-supreme-court-race-breaks-spending-record-fueled-out-state
- https://wisconsinwatch.org/2025/03/wisconsin-supreme-court-crawford-schimel-fact-check-debate/
- https://www.wispolitics.com/2025/fair-wisconsin-and-glaad-release-fact-sheet-for-reporters-lgbtq-records-of-the-candidates-in-wisconsins-supreme-court-election-on-april-1-and-resources-about-voter-id-referendum-also-on-the-ballot/
- https://statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/featured/2025/explainer-wisconsin-supreme-court-race/
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Trump, Musk, face blame for setbacks, but are Wisconsin, Florida elections crystal ball for 2026 midterms?
Score 5.0
Musk-funded political group spends big and goes door to door in Wisconsin Supreme Court race
Score 6.4
An election for a single state Supreme Court seat becomes the ‘blockbuster’ political fight of 2025 | CNN Politics
Score 6.2
"Our courts are not for sale": In setback for Musk, liberal candidate wins Wisconsin court seat
Score 5.0