Donald Trump appeals to 'common sense' as Elon Musk wades into crucial Wisconsin SC election

The race has significant implications for issues like abortion rights.

UPDATED MAR 22, 2025

Schimel's campaign has also benefited from over $12 million in spending by groups funded by billionaire Elon Musk.

Madison, Wisconsin: President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Brad Schimel, the conservative candidate in the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election, urging his followers to vote early for Schimel.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump called on “all voters who believe in Common Sense” to back Schimel in the April 1 election, which will determine control of the court. The race has significant implications for issues like abortion rights, congressional redistricting, and voting rules for future elections in the battleground state.

Schimel has positioned himself as part of a “support network” for Trump.

Schimel, a former Republican attorney general and staunch Trump supporter, welcomed the endorsement, stating he was “humbled and deeply honored". He emphasized the need for Wisconsin conservatives to unite and “restore objectivity” to the court.

Schimel has campaigned alongside Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr, and attended Trump’s inauguration in January. His campaign has also benefited from over $12 million in spending by groups funded by billionaire Elon Musk, a key Trump ally.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court, currently with a 4-3 liberal majority, has been a focal point of political battles. Schimel has positioned himself as part of a “support network” for Trump, claiming that over 70 lawsuits have been filed to obstruct Trump’s agenda. However, Schimel has pledged to remain impartial on the bench, vowing to hold anyone, including Trump, accountable if they defy Wisconsin law.

The Elon Musk-backed America PAC and Building for America's Future, have already spent more than $13 million dollars in support of conservative Brad Schimel. They are now offering Wisconsin voters $100 in exchange for their signatures on a pledge 'Petition in Opposition to Activist Judges'.

Schimel’s opponent, Susan Crawford, the Democratic-backed candidate, has criticized Schimel for his ties to right-wing special interests. A Crawford campaign spokesman dismissed Trump’s endorsement, stating, “We assumed he had this endorsement locked up months ago".

The winner will serve a 10-year term beginning in August.