Chart: How Much Billionaires Are Pouring Into Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

Nearly $80 million has flooded into the Wisconsin Supreme Court race between conservative former state Attorney General Brad Schimel and liberal Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford, with billionaires including Elon Musk and George Soros backing the candidate they hope to see on the bench.

Why It Matters

It has become the most expensive judicial race in American history with notable out-of-state influence.

Musk, who is the Tesla and SpaceX CEO serving as the head of President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has donated large sums individually and through his political action committee (PAC). His companies have a notable interest in Wisconsin, with Tesla currently suing the state over a law that requires manufacturers to sell vehicles through independent dealerships.

Although the state Supreme Court elections are technically nonpartisan, the result will determine whether the court will remain under 4-3 liberal control or flip to a conservative majority, and it could have implications for issues ranging from abortion to redistricting for the state, which is divided nearly evenly between Democrats and Republicans.

What To Know

Wisconsin state politics remain fairly split among political parties, with the state backing Trump in last year's election while still reelecting Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin.

Democrats will seek to capitalize on growing frustration with the Trump administration, while Republicans are hoping the voters who supported Trump in November will stay loyal and come out again in an off-year spring election.

Musk, the world's wealthiest person, has provided a significant portion of Schimel's funding, both individually and through political groups including America PAC and Building America's Future, which have spent at least $10 million, the Associated Press reported. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Musk has spent $19.3 million in support of Schimel.

Crawford has received millions from big Democratic names, including philanthropist George Soros and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, among others.

WisPolitics found that Crawford has outraised Schimel, largely because of individual donors. Both candidates received significant donations from their state political parties.

What People Are Saying

Susan Crawford told ProPublica this week: "I'm grateful for the historic outpouring of grassroots support across Wisconsin from folks who don't want Elon Musk controlling our Supreme Court."

President Donald Trump, on Truth Social last week: "All Voters who believe in Common Sense should GET OUT TO VOTE EARLY for Brad Schimel."

Team Schimel, Brad Schimel's campaign account, on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday: "STOP ACTIVIST JUDGES. VOTE BRAD SCHIMEL!"

Elon Musk, on X in January: "Very important to vote Republican for the Wisconsin Supreme Court to prevent voting fraud."

What Happens Next

Musk will speak with voters in Wisconsin on Sunday night, writing on X that "Entrance is limited to those who have voted in the Supreme Court election. I will also personally hand over two checks for a million dollars each in appreciation for you taking the time to vote."

​Early in-person voting has begun for Wisconsin's state judicial race scheduled for April 1. ​