The upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race is shaping up as a critical test of the Democrats’ emerging strategy of targeting Elon Musk, rather than Donald Trump, in their political battles. The nonpartisan judicial contest has seen Musk’s super PAC become the top spender, offering financial incentives to oppose what it calls “activist judges.”
Musk has also used his social media platform to discuss the election, making him a central figure in the race. Given polling that suggests Musk is less popular than Trump, Democrats and liberal candidate Susan Crawford have made him a focal point in the race’s final days.
Democratic-aligned groups are testing whether attacking Musk can be a successful strategy in one of the nation’s most competitive battleground states. Some strategists argue that focusing on Musk allows Democrats to avoid rallying conservative voters who might turn out in greater numbers if Trump were directly targeted. Wisconsin Republican strategist Brandon Scholz noted that while Democrats struggle to defeat Trump, they may have better success attacking Musk, whose influence is polarizing.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Sparks Debate Over Musk’s Political Influence and Spending
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race carries major consequences for the state’s judicial system. The outcome will shape the court’s ideological direction, affecting critical issues like abortion rights, union protections, and congressional districting. Crawford, a judge from Madison with ties to Democratic politics, is running against Brad Schimel, a former Republican attorney general.
With Musk financially supporting Schimel, Crawford and her supporters have strongly condemned his involvement, claiming he is trying to “buy” the seat.
Elon MuskCrawford’s campaign has taken direct aim at Musk in its advertisements, portraying him as an outsider trying to manipulate Wisconsin’s judicial system. One ad accuses Musk of spreading falsehoods about Crawford, while another claims he is financially backing Schimel to gain influence over the court. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has also launched a town-hall tour titled “People v. Musk,” featuring high-profile surrogates attacking Musk’s political influence and his role in the federal government.
Musk Emerges as a Key Political Target in Wisconsin Supreme Court Battle
Recent polling indicates that Musk may be a more effective political target for Democrats than Trump. A Marquette University Law School poll found that 53% of Wisconsin voters have an unfavorable view of Musk, compared to 41% who view him favorably.
National polling from NBC News revealed similar trends, with Musk’s favorability underwater and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) seen as ineffective. These numbers suggest that focusing on Musk might resonate with voters more than directly opposing Trump.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race has become the most expensive in U.S. history, surpassing previous records. Outside groups have spent over $86 million, with Musk’s America PAC leading Republican-aligned spending at $12 million. Meanwhile, Democratic-aligned groups have outspent their conservative counterparts, with Crawford’s campaign alone spending over $21 million compared to Schimel’s $9.5 million. Early voting turnout has also surged, signaling high voter engagement in the race.
While Musk has dominated the conversation, Trump made a late push for Schimel, endorsing him on social media and through campaign ads. Conservative groups have linked Schimel to Trump’s agenda, emphasizing past victories in Wisconsin. Despite this, Democrats have not focused on Trump’s endorsement in their advertising.
Schimel, meanwhile, has actively courted Trump’s base, appearing with Donald Trump Jr. and backing claims of election fraud. His campaign relies on strong MAGA voter turnout, underscoring Trump’s continued influence in Wisconsin politics.