Judith Ruiz-Branch, producer/reporter, Wisconsin News Connection, a bureau of Public News Service.
Early voting is surging in Wisconsin’s spring election. Thousands have either sent in absentee ballots or voted in person.
Meanwhile, political maneuvers continue with the pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court race less than a week away, the latest coming from the White House. In the weeks leading up to the April 1st election, the state has seen partisan-backed campaigns, swirling misinformation, and incentives that border on bribes. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reshape state elections, including changes such as proof-of-citizenship requirements.
Brett Edkins, managing director for policy and political affairs with Stand Up America, says it all reflects the climate stoked by the country’s leaders.
“So, it’s no surprise that they’re trying that playbook again in Wisconsin,” he explained. “And what it still comes down to is a really basic question. Do we want a MAGA court in Wisconsin? Do we want a Supreme Court bought and paid for by Elon Musk?”
Groups tied to Musk, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO who oversees the Department of Government Efficiency, have poured approximately $17 million into backing candidate Brad Schimel. In comparison, Susan Crawford’s campaign reports a total of $24 million in funding, with notable contributions from billionaire George Soros. Overall spending has surpassed all records for judicial races and is expected to reach $100 million.
Most state elections don’t garner mass attention, but Edkins says in the battleground swing state, outcomes have national implications.
“Where Wisconsin goes, so goes the country. What’s at stake in Wisconsin is ensuring that we have free and fair elections in 2026 and 2028,” he added.
The high court has become the referee for some of the most hotly debated election rules, narrowly rejecting then-presidential candidate Donald Trump’s lawsuit to overturn the 2020 election results. And last year, the court reversed gerrymandered maps and restored ballot drop boxes.
Lucy Ripp, communication director with A Better Wisconsin Together, says voters need to cut through the chaos and remember why the election matters.
“The Wisconsin Supreme Court exists to uphold and protect our constitutional rights and freedoms in Wisconsin. And so, it’s really important that we pay attention to who we are electing to the court,” she said.
Issues surrounding abortion access, the rights of voters with disabilities, noncitizen voting, and the legality of drop boxes are just some of the high court cases it could see, as well as a lawsuit concerning one of Musk’s companies, Tesla.
