3/31/2025
One thing you can do today... Contact your local representatives or supporting organizations that align with your stance on judicial elections, campaign finance, and state policy decisions.
Source: NPR
What Happened?
A highly uncertain election for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court is taking place. The outcome could shape key state policies, including abortion rights, voting laws, labor rights, and congressional district boundaries. Billionaires Elon Musk and George Soros have heavily funded opposing conservatve candidates, making this the most expensive state judicial race in U.S. history.
Why It Matters
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has significant influence over state laws and national politics due to a combination of political, legal, and geographical factors that make it a high-stakes battleground for national politics. A conservative win could reinforce stricter abortion laws, voter ID requirements, and limit labor union power, while a liberal win could lead to redrawn congressional districts that may reduce Republican influence in the U.S. House.
Who It Affects
- Wisconsin voters – Their daily lives and rights could be impacted by court rulings on issues like abortion and voting laws.
- National politics – The court may decide on congressional district maps, affecting the balance of power in the U.S. House.
- Unions and workers – Future rulings could impact collective bargaining rights for public employees.
- Business and election donors – Wealthy individuals like Musk and Soros are investing millions to influence the court's ideological balance.
Why Your Voice Matters
This election will shape Wisconsin’s legal landscape for at least a decade. Judicial decisions on abortion, voting, and labor rights can influence national policies. Even if you don’t live in Wisconsin, similar legal battles may emerge in your state.
Why You Should Care
If you believe in fair and balanced justice, this election represents a major test. The role of money in judicial races is growing, raising concerns about influence over the courts. The winner will likely have a say in issues that extend beyond Wisconsin, including national elections and business regulations.
What You Can Do
For Those Supporting the Conservative Candidate (Brad Schimel)
- Contact your local representatives to advocate for voter ID laws and traditional judicial interpretation. Find them here.
- Donate to organizations supporting conservative judicial appointments, such as the Judicial Crisis Network.
- Encourage voter turnout by volunteering with groups like Can I Vote.
- Support labor policies favoring businesses and limited union influence through donations to groups like National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation.
For Those Supporting the Liberal Candidate (Susan Crawford)
- Find and contact your local representatives to express support for abortion rights and voting access. Use this tool.
- Donate to organizations advocating for voting rights and fair districting, such as The Brennan Center for Justice.
- Support reproductive rights organizations like Planned Parenthood.
- Get involved with labor unions and workers’ rights groups like AFL-CIO.