The Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 1, 2025, is pivotal, with Democrat Susan Crawford and Republican Brad Schimel vying for a seat that could alter the court’s balance. Key issues include abortion rights, redistricting, and collective bargaining. The race has drawn national attention, with Elon Musk financially backing Schimel and Donald Trump endorsing him, framing it as a battle against “activist judges.” Crawford has criticized Musk’s influence as an attempt to “buy” the judiciary, underscoring the increasing impact of national politics and big money on local judicial races.
The upcoming Wisconsin election is crucial for all Americans, encompassing essential issues such as abortion rights, collective bargaining, voter access, and election integrity. Since Trump’s return to the White House, our nation has grappled with soaring unemployment, unjust mass deportations, and alarming challenges to the authority of our judicial system. The stakes have never been higher.
Elon Musk is reportedly offering $100 to anyone who votes for Brad Schimel. This essentially constitutes a bribe to sway individuals to sign a petition, which is not only unethical but also illegal, as it undermines the integrity of our state elections. If we continue to turn a blind eye to Musk’s actions, we risk diminishing the very foundation of our democratic process. Our elections should reflect the will of the people, not the influence of money. It is time we stand up for what is right and protect the integrity of our electoral system.
Donald Trump characterizes the upcoming election as a referendum on his policies, raising significant concerns about the potential erosion of abortion rights, which are fundamental to women’s health and well-being. Equally alarming is the threat to voter rights; there is a palpable risk that the Republicans may seek to undermine these essential freedoms, steering our nation down a perilous path toward authoritarianism. Such a shift could precipitate the erosion of our civil liberties, pushing our democracy to the brink and jeopardizing the very fabric of our society.
If Brad Schimel secures a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and aligns with a traditional Republican agenda, it could lead to significant interference in critical areas such as abortion rights, collective bargaining, voter access, and election restrictions. Such actions would not only impact the people of Wisconsin but could also create a ripple effect with far-reaching consequences across the nation. His potential influence raises serious concerns about the preservation of democratic principles and civil liberties, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in safeguarding these fundamental rights.
With Republican control extending across various branches of government, the threat to the American way of life becomes increasingly evident. Project 2025, now more than halfway complete, exemplifies this shift. Electing more Republicans to influential positions, such as the Wisconsin Supreme Court judgeship, could profoundly impact our nation’s values and governance. This trajectory risks solidifying figures like Donald Trump as permanent fixtures in the White House, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard democratic principles and civil liberties.
If Brad Schimel aligns himself with the Republican-led abortion policies evident in states like South Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma, the repercussions could be alarming. The laws enacted in these states delay or severely restrict access to essential pregnancy care, with Georgia’s “fetal personhood” statute emerging as particularly troubling. This law redefines the beginning of human life, bestowing fetuses with legal rights and imposing draconian penalties, including prison sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years for miscarriages. In some instances, stillborn births have resulted in charges of second-degree murder. Such measures provoke profound ethical and moral dilemmas regarding women’s rights, health, and autonomy. They underscore the urgent necessity for scrutiny and advocacy to safeguard these fundamental freedoms.
Texas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi stand as striking examples of the devastating impact that restrictive abortion laws can have on women and healthcare providers alike. In Texas, abortion providers risk life imprisonment, while women may encounter severe legal repercussions depending on their individual circumstances. Oklahoma’s laws can lead to charges of child neglect or even manslaughter for women who experience pregnancy loss, including heartbreaking miscarriages or stillbirths. Similarly, in Mississippi, women face the alarming possibility of being charged with manslaughter for pregnancy outcomes that are entirely beyond their control. These draconian measures raise profound ethical and legal questions that strike at the very heart of women’s rights, autonomy, and critical access to essential healthcare.
If Brad Schimel secures a position on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, it could pave the way for Republicans to weaken collective bargaining rights. This would have a profound impact on wages, working conditions, benefits, and other essential employment terms for the working class. Such a shift would likely deepen the economic divide, undermining the livelihoods of hardworking individuals and families. It highlights the urgent need to protect the rights of workers who tirelessly contribute to their communities and the broader economy.
If Brad Schimel secures a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the consequences could be far-reaching. The Republican Party might use this opportunity to enforce stricter voting laws, potentially limiting early voting, mail-in ballots, and voter registration under the guise of preventing voter fraud. Even more concerning is the possibility of gerrymandering, which could undermine the democratic process by skewing electoral maps to favor one party. Should Democrats challenge these measures in court, there’s a genuine risk that Schimel’s presence on the bench could tilt decisions in favor of Republican interests, further jeopardizing the integrity of Wisconsin’s electoral system. This scenario underscores the critical importance of judicial impartiality in preserving democracy.
If this scenario materializes, a decline in voter turnout could disproportionately benefit Republicans, whose membership is smaller compared to Democrats. This dynamic risks consolidating Republican power further. While Republicans often justify restrictive voting laws as measures to combat voter fraud—a phenomenon proven to be exceedingly rare nationwide—they have also pursued greater partisan control over election administration. This includes actions like purging voter rolls and limiting access to ballot boxes. With Brad Schimel on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, there is a strong likelihood that he would support such initiatives, reinforcing their agenda and amplifying their impact on the electoral process.
Like many Democrats, Susan Crawford champions equal voting rights to ensure that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to vote. Her proposals include automatic voter registration and limiting the influence of money in politics, aiming to create a fairer electoral system where wealth cannot dictate outcomes, as critics argue figures like Elon Musk attempt to do. These measures would also encourage candidates to rely on their own resources when running for public office. Crawford advocates for a complete ban on gerrymandering, addressing a critical issue that affects states nationwide. By eliminating partisan manipulation of electoral boundaries, both Republicans and Democrats would be prevented from skewing districts in their favor. Empowered by these reforms, voters would have the freedom to shape their state’s political direction, ensuring that every election cycle offers an equal chance for states to lean Democratic or Republican based on the will of the people.
Susan Crawford, a candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, stands out as a passionate and unwavering advocate for abortion rights. Throughout her career, she has fiercely defended access to reproductive healthcare, representing organizations like Planned Parenthood in pivotal legal battles that have helped shape the fight for women’s rights. Crawford’s campaign underscores her deep commitment to ensuring women maintain the autonomy to make personal healthcare decisions free from government intrusion. She has not hesitated to challenge her opponent, Brad Schimel, calling out his support for restrictive abortion laws, including Wisconsin’s antiquated 1849 statute, which drastically curtails abortion access in the wake of Roe v. Wade’s overturning. Crawford’s platform is grounded in her dedication to protecting reproductive freedom, a stance that resonates powerfully with voters who value choice, equality, and individual rights. Her vision represents a determined effort to uphold and defend the principles of justice and liberty for all