Key Points:

• Judge Susan Crawford has raised over $24 million in her bid for Wisconsin Supreme Court, including $17 million in the past month.
• The race between Crawford and conservative judge Brad Schimel is drawing significant financial backing from high-profile billionaires, including Elon Musk.
• With a potential $100 million total spend, the April 1 election is set to be the most expensive Supreme Court race in history.

Wisconsin's upcoming Supreme Court election on April 1 promises to be a record-setting battle, particularly with liberal candidate Judge Susan Crawford announcing she has raised over The Hill $24 million, marking the highest amount ever for an American judicial candidate. A significant portion of that figure, $17 million, was secured between February 4 and March 17 alone. This financial push is being framed as not just a local contest but a pivotal moment that could influence the future direction of the State Supreme Court and, by extension, national politics. Crawford faces off against conservative candidate Brad Schimel, who has also received substantial support from the political elite, particularly from Forbes sources. Schimel is backed by super PACs associated with billionaire Elon Musk, who has reportedly contributed millions to this crucial race, aiming to secure conservative control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Trump's endorsement of Schimel has further intensified interest in the race, framing it as a critical litmus test for the upcoming 2028 presidential election cycle. The spending in this race has already exceeded previous records, with estimates suggesting a combined total nearing $100 million may be deployed on behalf of both candidates. Historical spending on judicial campaigns has never reached such a height; the previous record was around $56 million for the same court. The funding is largely coming from politically motivated billionaires, including Musk, who remains a polarizing figure in American politics. In a statement, Crawford criticized Musk’s influence, asserting, “Elon Musk is trying to buy influence over the Wisconsin judiciary,” while emphasizing her commitment to serving the people fairly and transparently. As the campaign unfolds, voter turnout will be critical, especially as **Crawford's campaign boasts over 113,000 contributors**, many of whom are motivated by concerns over judicial impartiality and campaign finance influence. This race could significantly impact various looming issues, from abortion rights to the integrity of voting regulations in Wisconsin. It also poses questions regarding Musk's influence on judicial matters that could affect businesses, including his own. His company's legal challenges against state regulations make the outcome precarious not just politically but economically as well. Overall, with both massive fundraising efforts and the involvement of influential backers, the Wisconsin Supreme Court race is set to be a watershed moment, underscoring the intertwining of political power and financial resources in modern-day elections. This election not only reflects local electoral dynamics, but also how national figures like Musk and Trump are shaping the landscape of judicial contests across the country. For detailed updates on this evolving story, check out additional insights from The New York Times.