Musk Spent Millions To Sway Wisconsin’s Supreme Court—And Lost
Photo: Newly elected Judge Susan Crawford (Left), Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul (Right)
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC – Elon Musk suffered a political and financial blow as Wisconsin voters rejected his last-minute cash infusion to sway a critical state Supreme Court race—just as he had done for Donald Trump in the 2024 election.
Despite pouring millions into MAGA candidate Brad Schimel’s campaign, Musk failed to flip the court’s balance, and liberal judge Susan Crawford secured victory, maintaining the court’s 4-3 progressive majority. This loss comes amid Tesla’s declining fortunes, with the company’s stock plummeting 35% since Trump’s inauguration, erasing over $100 billion from Musk’s net worth.
Musk’s heavy involvement in the race sparked controversy, particularly given Tesla’s ongoing lawsuit in Wisconsin. The electric car giant is challenging state laws that prohibit auto manufacturers from owning dealerships. With the case potentially heading to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Musk had a direct stake in shaping the judiciary’s composition, leading critics to accuse him of attempting to buy the election for personal gain.
The April 1 election was seen as an early test of Trump’s influence, and Musk—who spent over $250 million to help elect Trump in 2024—deployed similar tactics in Wisconsin. His political groups funneled $21 million into Schimel’s campaign, including direct cash incentives for voters.
Musk’s super PAC handed out $1 million checks at a March 30 rally, and he offered voters $100 to post photos supporting Schimel. Democrats, led by Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, attempted to block these efforts, filing legal challenges against Musk’s direct payments, though they were unsuccessful.
Trump remained conspicuously silent on the election result. Just days before the vote, he had attacked Crawford as a “DISASTER” and claimed—without evidence—that she was too far left even for Democrats. On April 1, he urged his supporters on Truth Social to back Schimel, warning that Crawford would be “one of the most Liberal Judges ever elected.” But when the results came in, Trump instead focused on celebrating a separate ballot measure that increased voter ID requirements.
Democrats and progressive activists saw Crawford’s victory as a significant win for judicial independence. “The world’s richest man tried to buy Wisconsin’s democracy in order to corrupt Wisconsin’s judiciary, but Wisconsinites demonstrated that our state is not for sale,” Wisconsin Democratic Party chair Ben Wikler said in a statement. “In a moment of national darkness, Wisconsin voters lit a candle.”
Beyond its implications for Musk and Trump, the election result has major national consequences. The Wisconsin Supreme Court is expected to weigh in on crucial issues, including abortion rights and voting laws that could shape future elections. With Trump having won Wisconsin by less than a percentage point in 2024, the state remains a critical battleground for 2026 and 2028.
At her victory celebration in Madison, Crawford underscored the election’s stakes. “Our courts are not for sale,” she declared. “Wisconsin voters have sent a clear message: justice cannot be bought.” (with input from Reuters)
