Brad Schimel, Elon Musk, and Wisconsin’s April 1 Election: Maps, Money, and Power
On April 1, 2025, Wisconsin voters will decide more than just a Supreme Court seat—they’ll shape the state’s political map and potentially impact the state’s Congressional district lines. Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Brad Schimel, a conservative former Attorney General, is battling Dane County Judge Susan Crawford in a race that could redraw district lines and shift congressional power. The high-stakes campaign has engaged Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, who has pledged to give $2 million in petition giveaways and pouring over $20 million into Schimel’s campaign. This election is a flashpoint for Wisconsin and beyond. Here’s why it’s critical and why you should care.
Brad Schimel: The Conservative Contender
Brad Schimel’s no stranger to Wisconsin’s legal and political arenas. A UW Law School alum, he spent over 25 years as a prosecutor, including as Waukesha County DA from 2006 to 2014. As Attorney General from 2015 to 2019, he championed “tough on crime” policies and sued to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. Now a circuit judge, Schimel’s running as the conservative pick to replace retiring liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, promising to “end the madness” of “rogue judges.” His opponent, Susan Crawford, a liberal judge backed by Democrats, vows to protect “basic rights.” Though nonpartisan on paper, the ideological stakes are clear.
The Redistricting Battle
This race could decide who draws Wisconsin’s political maps—especially its eight congressional districts. The state Supreme Court’s current 4-3 liberal majority, secured in 2023, already tossed out legislative maps that favored Republicans. Now, congressional lines are in the crosshairs. Republicans hold a 6-2 U.S. House edge despite Donald Trump’s 2024 win in Wisconsin by just 30,000 votes. A Crawford win could see liberals redraw those maps, potentially flipping one or two seats to Democrats—a game-changer in a tight U.S. House. A Schimel victory might lock in GOP-friendly lines through 2030, bolstering Republican power in Congress from a state that’s split nearly 50-50.
Musk himself underscored this on X, saying the race “will decide how congressional districts are drawn,” warning a liberal win could “cause Wisconsin to lose two Republican seats.” That’s why he’s betting big on Schimel.
Musk’s Money and $2 Million Gambit
Elon Musk isn’t just watching—he’s shaping this election. His America PAC and Building America’s Future have given over $20 million into Schimel’s campaign, shattering records for a state judicial race. That’s on top of $3 million he’s personally given the Wisconsin GOP, which backs Schimel. Why? Beyond redistricting, Tesla (Musk’s electric car giant) is also suing Wisconsin to overturn a law barring manufacturers from owning dealerships—a case that could reach this court. Schimel’s a friendly bet.
Then there’s the $2 million giveaway. Musk planned to “personally hand over” $2 million to two voters who’d cast ballots, he posted on X early Friday, March 28. After legal pushback—Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul sued to block it, alleging vote-buying—Musk pivoted. He clarified the cash would go to “spokesmen” for his petition against “activist judges,” not voters per se. Still, his America PAC already gave $1 million to a Green Bay signer, Scott A., and promised another this weekend. Critics, including Crawford’s camp, call it a “desperate” bid to juice conservative turnout and sway a court that could rule on Tesla’s lawsuit.
Why It Matters Beyond Maps
The winner gets a 10-year term, deciding more than district lines. The court faces:
Abortion: Will an 1849 ban stand or fall?
Voting: A voter ID amendment is on the ballot April 1 to align with Trump’s Executive Order.
Labor: Act 10, curbing public unions, could be revived or buried.
Nationally, it’s the first big election since Trump’s 2024 win—a test of GOP momentum and Democratic resolve. Spending’s hit $76 million, nearing $100 million, with Republican outpacing Democrats. Trump has also endorsed Schimel for the seat.
Spring turnout’s low—Schimel predicts 2 million voters (43%), versus 3.4 million last fall. That means Wisconsin residents’ vote looms larger. Early voting ends March 30; Election Day is April 1. Check myvote.wi.gov.
