Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Draws Record Billionaire Funding from Both Parties Ahead of April Election

The upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 1, 2025, has attracted unprecedented campaign spending from wealthy donors on both sides of the political spectrum, setting up to become the most expensive state Supreme Court race in U.S. history [1].

The nonpartisan contest pits conservative candidate Brad Schimel, a Waukesha County judge and former Republican attorney general, against liberal candidate Susan Crawford, a Madison-based state judge [1][2].

According to ad-tracking firm AdImpact, Democrats have spent $18 million on advertising compared to Republicans' $12.7 million. Two groups aligned with Elon Musk - Building America's Future and America PAC - have contributed over $8 million to support Schimel's campaign [1].

On the Democratic side, major donations include:

• George Soros: $1 million to Wisconsin Democratic Party
• JB Pritzker: $500,000
• Reid Hoffman: $250,000

Conservative donors include:

• Elizabeth Uihlein: $650,000 to Wisconsin GOP
• Joe Ricketts: $500,000
• Diane Hendricks: $975,000

The election's outcome could impact several significant issues including abortion rights, unions, congressional maps, and voting regulations. Additionally, a Tesla lawsuit challenging Wisconsin's car dealership laws could potentially reach the state Supreme Court [1][2].