It seems that Elon Musk is making moves to increase his influence over the judicial branch of the United States ahead of the upcoming Supreme Court election in Wisconsin.
Reportedly, a political action committee (PAC) backed by billionaire Musk has scheduled hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of TV ads in Wisconsin starting Thursday and continuing through early March, with the state’s Supreme Court election fast approaching on April 1.
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The ads are likely to run through Musk-backed nonprofit Building America’s Future which actively supported President Donald Trump and other Republican candidates in the 2024 presidential election.
It is believed that the ads might aid conservative Brad Schimel who is running against liberal Susan Crawford in a race that will determine the ideological balance of the court.
While the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) doesn’t identify the content of the ads, FCC contracts show the ads that will run around Madison, Eau Claire, Wausau and Green Bay cost more than $400,000. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported more than $255,000 will also be running in and around the city of Milwaukee.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court is the highest court in the state, with seven justices serving 10-year terms. The court’s primary responsibilities include interpreting the state’s constitution, reviewing legal cases from lower courts, and making rulings on significant state matters. It plays a crucial role in shaping Wisconsin law, including cases on elections, public safety, and constitutional rights.
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Justices are elected through nonpartisan elections, but candidates often have political affiliations, and elections can be highly contested and ideological. Elections are held every two years, with one or two seats up for election depending on vacancies.
The court has gained national attention due to its influence over voter ID laws, abortion rights, and redistricting cases. Recently, the 2025 elections for the Wisconsin Supreme Court have become closely watched, as they can impact state policy for years to come. These elections reflect larger political trends and the balance of power between conservatives and liberals in Wisconsin.