The upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 1, 2025, has captured national attention, largely due to the involvement of billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. With over $76 million spent, it is already the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history. Musk’s America PAC has contributed $14 million to the race, employing controversial strategies that have sparked debates about ethics and election laws.

At the center of the election is a battle for control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which currently holds a 4-3 liberal majority. The court’s decisions will have significant implications for critical issues such as abortion rights, public sector unions, and gerrymandering. Musk’s involvement has added a new layer of intrigue to the race, raising questions about the influence of billionaires in democratic processes.

One of the most discussed tactics is Musk’s America PAC offering $100 to registered voters who sign a petition against “activist judges.” The petition requires voters to provide personal information, including their name, email, phone number, and mailing address. This allows the PAC to target them with election-related messaging. While some legal experts argue the tactic is legal because it doesn’t require voters to cast a ballot, others claim it skirts election laws by incentivizing voter engagement in a way that could influence the outcome.

The race features two prominent candidates: Brad Schimel, a conservative backed by Musk and former President Donald Trump, and Susan Crawford, a liberal Dane County Judge who is currently leading in the polls. Schimel’s vocal support for Trump, including dressing as the former president for Halloween, has drawn criticism for injecting partisan politics into a nonpartisan judicial race.

Musk’s involvement isn’t purely political—it’s also personal. Tesla is currently suing Wisconsin over a 2024 law that blocks the company from opening dealerships in the state. A conservative majority on the court could potentially influence the outcome of that legal battle.

The race has also attracted significant donations from other high-profile figures. On the liberal side, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman have contributed heavily to the Wisconsin Democratic Party. Meanwhile, Musk’s America PAC is doubling down on its support for Schimel, making this a true clash of political titans.

In January 2025, Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to urge voters to “vote Republican for the Wisconsin Supreme Court to prevent voting fraud,” echoing unfounded conspiracy theories about election integrity. This post further fueled the partisan divide in what is supposed to be a nonpartisan race.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court election isn’t just a local affair—it’s a microcosm of the broader national struggle over judicial power and election integrity. With Musk’s deep pockets and controversial tactics, the race raises important questions about the role of billionaires in shaping democratic processes.

As voters prepare to head to the polls, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The outcome will not only determine the future of Wisconsin’s policies but also set a precedent for how money and influence intersect with democracy. Whether Musk’s strategy will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this election is a defining moment for both Wisconsin and the nation.