Wisconsin voters go to the polls on Tuesday to choose a new justice for the state Supreme Court in what has become the most costly judicial campaign in US history. The race is seen by many as an early gauge of former President Donald Trump’s power, with abortion rights, union labor laws, and election rules hanging in the balance.
Candidates, parties, and other groups have sunk over $90 million into the race so far, per estimates by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University. Prominent donors among them include billionaire business leader Elon Musk, his political committees that are affiliated, and more, who together spent over $21 million to support Trump-siding candidates.
The result of the election may have far-reaching effects on the law in Wisconsin since the state’s supreme court has a pivotal role in formulating policies and interpreting legislation. The contest has attracted wider national attention, with both sides rallying resources in a bid to influence the outcome.
As Wisconsin has also been a crucial battleground state in recent presidential elections, political analysts believe that the judicial race is an indicator of Trump’s ongoing hold on Republican politics and public opinion heading toward the 2024 election. The outcome also may presage the legal fight to come on some of the country’s most divisive topics.
