Wisconsin
Wisconsin Supreme Court race: Voters head to polls to cast ballot for Crawford or Schimel
April 1, 2025, 2:57 p.m. ET
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race between liberal Dane County Judge Susan Crawford and conservative Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel has ballooned into a nationwide topic.
It is estimated to top the $56 million record for spending on a judicial race. Over the weekend, Elon Musk handed two $1 million checks to two Wisconsin voters at a Green Bay rally "in appreciation" for supporting Schimel. The funds came from Musk's political action committee, America PAC, which donated to Trump's campaign during the 2024 election.
The race's outcome is assumed to determine the ideological control of the high court.
Scott Olson, Getty ImagesIt is estimated to top the $56 million record for spending on a judicial race. Over the weekend, Elon Musk handed two $1 million checks to two Wisconsin voters at a Green Bay rally "in appreciation" for supporting Schimel. The funds came from Musk's political action committee, America PAC, which donated to Trump's campaign during the 2024 election.
The race's outcome is assumed to determine the ideological control of the high court.
Judge Brad Schimel, the Republican-backed nominee for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, after casting his ballot during the Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 1, 2025, in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin. In what has become the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, Republican-backed Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel is running against Democratic-backed Dane County Judge Susan Crawford for a seat on Wisconsin's Supreme Court.
Abra Richardson, Pool Via Getty Images
Liberal Susan Crawford, Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate, prepares to vote in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election at Oakwood Village University Woods in Madison, Wisconsin, on April 1, 2025.
Vincent Alban, Reuters
Citizens vote on Election Day at Scheig Center & Gardens Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Dan Powers, The Post-Crescent Via USA TODAY Network
Voters head to the polls on Election Day on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Fire Station 31, in Neenah, Wisconsin.
William Glasheen, The Post-Crescent Via USA TODAY Network
Brielle Vanderfin pets her dog, Luke, after voting on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Redeemer Lutheran School in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Tork Mason, Green Bay Press-Gazette Via USA TODAY Network
Citizens vote on Election Day at Scheig Center & Gardens Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Dan Powers, The Post-Crescent Via USA TODAY Network
Citizens vote on Election Day at the Grand Chute Town Hall Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Grand Chute, Wisconsin.
Dan Powers, The Post-Crescent Via USA TODAY Network
Craig Henry walks his ballot to the voting machine to be counted on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Redeemer Lutheran School in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Tork Mason, Green Bay Press-Gazette Via USA TODAY Network
Citizens arrive to vote on Election Day Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Saint Joseph Catholic Community Church in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Dan Powers, The Post-Crescent Via USA TODAY Network
Rachel Meulemans cast her ballot on Election Day at Town Center Park Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Grand Chute, Wisconsin.
Dan Powers, The Post-Crescent Via USA TODAY Network
Ken Perez walks into his polling place on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Tork Mason, Green Bay Press-Gazette Via USA TODAY Network
Robert Hall walks his ballot to the voting machine to be counted on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Tork Mason, Green Bay Press-Gazette Via USA TODAY Network
Gail LudwigVoters head to the polls on Election Day on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Fire Station 31, in Neenah, Wisconsin.
William Glasheen, The Post-Crescent Via USA TODAY Network
Citzens are checked in by poll workers prior to voting at Appleton Alliance Church on Election Day Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Grand Chute, Wisconsin.
Dan Powers, The Post-Crescent Via USA TODAY NetworkFeatured Weekly Ad