Elon Musk Becomes DNC’s Target in Wisconsin Supreme Court Showdown

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has taken an unprecedented step, launching its first-ever advertising campaign directly targeting Elon Musk, who has poured millions into the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. The ads, running in seven local Wisconsin newspapers, are a clear signal of the high stakes involved in this election, which will determine the court's majority.

The DNC's ads accuse Musk of attempting to "buy" the election for conservative candidate Brad Schimel, who is vying to maintain the court's 4-3 liberal majority. According to the campaign, Musk has already funneled $19 million into the race through personal donations and affiliated PACs. DNC Chair Ken Martin minced no words, claiming Musk has "threatened Medicare, gutted Social Security services, and now thinks he can buy himself a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court." The ads carry the pointed message: "Wisconsin is not for sale."

In what has become the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, spending has soared past $81 million, obliterating the previous $56 million record set just two years ago. Musk's super PACs alone have contributed over $17 million to Schimel, with Musk personally donating $3 million to the Wisconsin Republican Party this year to support the conservative campaign. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has also thrown his weight behind Schimel, appearing in a tele-town hall to emphasize the national implications of the race, calling it one with "outsized impact on the future of the country."

On the other side of the aisle, former President Barack Obama and other prominent Democrats are rallying behind liberal candidate Susan Crawford, a Dane County circuit judge. Crawford's campaign has managed to amass over $25 million in funding. Democrats see this race as critical not only for maintaining a key judicial seat but also as a testing ground for broader strategies ahead of the 2026 midterms.

The DNC's focus on Musk may also signal a shift in tactics as the party seeks to galvanize voter sentiment against the billionaire's influence. With polling showing that 53% of Wisconsin voters believe Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is disrupting legally required programs, Democrats appear to be betting on this narrative resonating. However, the ad campaign’s effectiveness remains uncertain, especially as the party continues to struggle with a coherent post-2024 election message.

As the election date looms, one thing is clear: the battle for Wisconsin's Supreme Court is not just a local issue but a microcosm of larger national tensions. Whether Musk's involvement ultimately backfires or bolsters the conservative cause will be a fascinating test of the political landscape in this swing state.