Control of State Supreme Court Up for Grabs

For those hoping to tune out politics for a bit after the ad barrage that happened during the Fall of 2024, sorry, you are out of luck.

Wisconsin’s race for the State Supreme Court has become a proxy war for Republicans and Democrats on a national scale. The April 1 election is significant, as the candidate who wins will help determine the ideological direction of the Court. The race features Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, who is backed by liberal groups, and Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel, a former Wisconsin Attorney General supported by conservative interests. The winning candidate will help secure a 4-3 majority on the Court and could influence key legal decisions in the state.

Spending in the race has already broken records, outpacing all other state Supreme Court contests in U.S. history. Total spending has exceeded $81 million and may reach $100 million before election day. Elon Musk has been a prominent figure in the race, with his affiliated PACs contributing more than $19 million in support of Schimel. One of Musk’s PACs has drawn scrutiny for offering $100 to Wisconsin voters who sign a petition opposing “activist judges,” a move that has prompted legal and ethical questions. Meanwhile, George Soros and J.B. Pritzker have contributed a combined $1.5 million through the state Democratic Party to support Crawford.

Tesla, led by Musk, is also involved in a lawsuit challenging Wisconsin’s ban on manufacturer-owned car dealerships—a case that could eventually be reviewed by the state Supreme Court. The race has gained further national attention following President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Schimel. Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., has also visited Wisconsin to campaign for Schimel, reflecting broader national interest in the outcome. Supporters on both sides view the race as a bellwether for public sentiment heading into the 2025 election cycle.

For those closely following judicial elections, Wisconsin is expected to hold high-stakes Supreme Court contests annually through 2030.

Race For DPI State Superintendent Enters Toss-up Territory

While the Supreme Court race dominates headlines, the election for State Superintendent of Public Instruction is emerging as a competitive and potentially impactful contest. Incumbent Superintendent Jill Underly, who won nearly 58% of the vote in 2021, is facing a strong challenge from Brittany Kinser, the former CEO of a Milwaukee education nonprofit.

Underly’s campaign has experienced challenges, including modest backing from the state’s largest teachers’ union, WEAC, and a lack of endorsement from Governor Evers. Kinser has gained support from advocates of school choice, as well as significant financial backing from donors traditionally aligned with Republican causes, such as the Uihlein’s and Diane Hendricks.

In the February primary, Underly led with 38% of the vote, followed by Kinser with 34.5%, and Sauk Prairie School District Superintendent Jeff Wright with 27.5%. Wright, who is also aligned with Democratic education values, has not endorsed a candidate in the general election. Some observers believe this could create an opportunity for a shift in leadership of an office that has traditionally leaned Democratic in recent decades.

Since the primary, campaign fundraising has surged. Kinser has raised nearly $2.4 million, nearly doubling Underly’s $1.3 million. She also holds a significant advantage in available campaign funds. The Republican Party has contributed approximately $1.7 million to Kinser, while Democrats have given around $850,000 to Underly. These figures highlight the increasing nationalization and politicization of what is officially a nonpartisan race.

The candidates differ on key education policy issues, including school funding, private school vouchers, and the role of charter schools. Kinser supports expanding school choice options, while Underly has focused on increasing investment in public schools. Though less high-profile than the Supreme Court race, the outcome of the Superintendent election could have a major impact on the direction of Wisconsin’s education system.