Radical Democrats are looking to the courts to save them. They want the courts to stop Trump in his tracks.
That’s why this Supreme Court shakeup has Donald Trump and his allies worried sick.
Wisconsin’s Upcoming Supreme Court Election Has Serious Consequences
The state of Wisconsin is poised for a crucial election on April 1st, 2025, that could dramatically shape the future of its judicial system and have far-reaching implications for the nation’s political landscape. At stake is the election of a new Wisconsin Supreme Court justice, as the retirement of liberal justice Ann Walsh Bradley opens up a seat on the high court. This race, which could potentially shift the current liberal majority toward the conservatives, is expected to have significant consequences, particularly in relation to election integrity and key state policies.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s balance of power has already been in flux. The upcoming election marks the second time in just two years that the majority on the high court is up for grabs. The last race for a Supreme Court seat in 2023 resulted in a flip from a conservative to a liberal majority for the first time in 15 years. Since that victory, the liberal justices have had the chance to shape the court’s decisions, including ruling on two important election-related cases.
Liberal justices on the court have already demonstrated their influence. In one high-profile case, the court reversed a 2022 decision that had limited the use of ballot drop boxes in the 2020 presidential election. The court’s ruling in 2023 allowed voters to use drop boxes once again, a move that has stirred debate about election security. In another case, the court dismissed a lawsuit challenging the legality of mobile voting vans, further solidifying the liberal court’s dominance.
The current makeup of the Wisconsin Supreme Court is 4-3 in favor of liberal justices, but the retirement of Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, effective July 31st, creates an opportunity for conservatives to potentially swing the court back in their favor. This shift could have profound implications on various contentious issues, especially those concerning voter ID laws, a topic that has long been a point of contention in Wisconsin.
As the election approaches, the race for Bradley’s seat has already attracted significant financial backing, with wealthy donors from both sides of the political spectrum pouring money into the race. The two candidates vying for the seat are Brad Schimel, a Waukesha County Circuit Court judge with strong backing from conservative billionaires, and Susan Crawford, a Dane County Circuit Court judge who has received support from liberal donors like George Soros and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.
The influence of big-money donors in the race is hard to ignore. This high-stakes contest is shaping up to be another record-breaking election, with experts predicting that it could surpass the $51 million spent in 2023, which was the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history. Both Schimel and Crawford have received significant financial support from their respective political bases. According to CNN, major donors like Soros and Hendricks have funneled money into the state parties, directly influencing the candidates’ campaigns.
The decision of this election could have long-lasting effects on the direction of Wisconsin’s judicial rulings. Since the liberal majority took control of the court, their decisions have already impacted the state’s election laws, with concerns growing among conservatives that more controversial issues, such as voter ID, could be revisited. The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s ruling on voter ID requirements could drastically change how elections are conducted in the state, potentially strengthening or weakening the state’s strict voter identification laws.
Trump Allies Sound The Alarm On How Important The Wisconsin High Court Is
Former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, a vocal critic of the current liberal court, has expressed his concerns about the future of Wisconsin’s elections, tweeting after a recent ruling: “This is just the tip of the iceberg with a 4-3 activist court. We have to win in April or Wisconsin may never be a battleground state again.” His warning speaks to the larger political ramifications of the court’s composition, which could influence national politics, particularly in presidential elections.
Several notable figures have also weighed in on the race, including House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil, who endorsed Schimel, praising his experience and dedication to preserving election integrity. Elon Musk also joined the fray, using his platform to urge voters to support Schimel and to prevent what he described as “voting fraud.” A group Musk has previously donated to, Building America’s Future, is spending millions on ads to sway voters in Schimel’s favor.
Very important to vote Republican for the Wisconsin Supreme Court to prevent voting fraud! https://t.co/tB1qErm2cP
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 23, 2025
Beyond voter ID, the Wisconsin Supreme Court could also become the key decision-maker on other high-stakes issues, such as abortion rights, union policies, and congressional redistricting. The possibility of the court revisiting the state’s congressional district map has drawn the attention of national political operatives, as Democrats hope that a liberal court could redraw the lines in a way that benefits their party. According to some Democratic donors, this election represents a “chance to put two more House seats in play for 2026.”
The impact of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race could extend well beyond the state, affecting national political dynamics. As Wisconsin GOP Chairman Brian Schimming pointed out, “To say that what happens in Wisconsin will not stay in Wisconsin is putting it really mildly.” The results of this election could affect everything from congressional redistricting to the potential for impeachment proceedings against political figures, making it a pivotal moment in American politics.
As election day draws near, grassroots activists, including GOP grassroots leader Scott Presler, are urging voters to recognize the significance of their vote in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Presler has taken to social media to remind voters that this election could decide the future of voter ID in the state, urging them to vote for the candidate who will protect election integrity.
Today is day 75 of reminding Wisconsin voters
that they can flip the WI Supreme Court from 🔵🔜🔴 & enshrine voter ID in the constitution
by voting on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025.
— ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) February 20, 2025
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
