Wisconsin Democrats Target Elon Musk in Supreme Court Battle
As the Wisconsin Supreme Court race enters its final stretch, Democrats are making Elon Musk the centerpiece of their attack strategy against conservative candidate Brad Schmiel. In a highly expensive and crucial election, the outcome could shift the balance of the court and impact major legal battles, including those involving Musk himself.
Democrats Link Musk to Brad Schmiel
In an unprecedented move, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin has launched a multi-million-dollar ad campaign tying Musk to Schmiel. One of their ads claims, “Elon Musk is out of control, and now the power-hungry billionaire is unloading millions to buy the Wisconsin Supreme Court.”
This attack stems from Musk’s financial involvement in the race. A Musk-backed super PAC has reportedly spent over $7 million to support Schmiel’s campaign. Democrats argue that Musk is influencing the court for personal gain, especially given Tesla’s ongoing lawsuit against Wisconsin’s dealership laws.
Democrats See Musk as a Political Liability
Polling data suggests that Musk is deeply unpopular among Wisconsin Democrats and increasingly concerning to independents. Ben Wikler, chair of the state Democratic Party, emphasized that attacking Musk is a winning strategy, stating, “Our test of our first Musk ad found that it moved likely 2025 voters by 6.2 percentage points.”
Republicans Push Back on Attacks
Despite the Democratic ad blitz, Schmiel’s campaign remains well-funded, with Republicans outspending Democrats 2-to-1. GOP strategists argue that voters are more concerned with issues like crime and public safety, rather than Musk’s influence.
Mark Graul, a Republican consultant, dismissed the attacks, saying, “What people want to know about the Supreme Court candidates is all about crime, so Schmiel is focusing on safety, which is exactly what he should be doing.”
A High-Stakes Battle with National Implications
This April 1st election is expected to draw national attention, with both parties using it as a testing ground for new campaign strategies. If Democrats succeed in using Musk as a political liability, it could shape their messaging in key elections across the country in 2026.
However, some Democrats remain skeptical. Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes cautioned, “Elon Musk just won’t be enough. The question is still, ‘What are Democrats doing besides saying how bad Musk is?’”
As election day approaches, both parties are doubling down on their efforts. Will the Musk-centric attacks sway enough voters, or will Republican messaging on crime and safety prove more effective?
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