Wisconsin Supreme Court Race: A Nationally Significant Contest with Record-Breaking Spending
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Wisconsin voters head to the polls in what has become the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history. The race pits conservative Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel against liberal Dane County Judge Susan Crawford in a contest that will determine the ideological balance of the state’s Supreme Court. With over $100 million spent by candidates and outside groups, this election is not only shaping the future of Wisconsin but also serving as a bellwether for national political trends heading into the 2026 midterms.
What’s at Stake?
The Wisconsin Supreme Court currently holds a narrow 4-3 liberal majority, and Tuesday’s election could shift control to conservatives. The outcome will have far-reaching implications for critical issues such as:
- Abortion Rights:
- The court is expected to rule on the constitutionality of Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban, which was reinstated after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
- Crawford has vowed to protect reproductive rights, while Schimel supports enforcing the ban.
- Redistricting:
- The court may decide whether to redraw Wisconsin’s congressional districts, which currently favor Republicans. A liberal victory could lead to maps that benefit Democrats and potentially threaten the GOP majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Voting Laws:
- Cases involving voter ID laws, absentee ballot restrictions, and election regulations are likely to come before the court ahead of the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential election.
- Union Power:
- Labor rights cases affecting public employee unions could reshape workplace protections across the state.
Record-Breaking Spending
Financial Overview
As of Monday evening, spending in the race had surpassed $100 million, according to estimates from the Brennan Center for Justice. This staggering figure eclipses previous records for state judicial elections and rivals spending in some U.S. Senate races.
- Brad Schimel: Supported by Republican donors and groups affiliated with Elon Musk, Schimel’s campaign has benefited from nearly $50 million in total contributions.
- Susan Crawford: Backed by Democratic megadonors like George Soros and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Crawford’s campaign has received over $40 million.
