What A Day

Musk Throws Millions Into Wisc. Supreme Court Race

Mar 31, 2025

Ben Wikler, Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, dives into the heated race for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which has become the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, fueled by millions from Elon Musk and his allies. He discusses how the outcome could shift the court's ideological balance, impacting key issues like abortion rights and labor laws. The conversation emphasizes the dangers of big money in politics and the urgent need for voter mobilization to counter lobbying influences.

25:00

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Episode guests

Ben Wikler

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Quick takeaways

Elon Musk's financial backing in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race highlights concerns about the influence of money in judicial elections, potentially undermining public trust in the legal system.

The high voter turnout reflects growing political engagement among Democrats, who are mobilizing against financial disparities and emphasizing issues like democratic integrity and healthcare.

Deep dives

The Wisconsin Supreme Court Election

The election for the Wisconsin Supreme Court is currently the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history, largely due to the financial influence of billionaire Elon Musk and his allies, who have reportedly spent over $20 million on the campaign. This race involves two county judges vying to replace liberal justice Ann Walsh Bradley, with conservative candidate Brad Schimmel advocating for policies that align with Trump’s agenda, including significant limits on voting rights and support for strict abortion laws. Voters face a choice between Schimmel and liberal candidate Susan Crawford, who has a history of defending voting rights and workers' rights, making this election critical amidst growing concerns about the rule of law in the state. The outcome could reshape the court's majority and set a precedent for future judicial elections nationwide.

Intro

3min

The Wisconsin Supreme Court Race: A Battle of Ideologies

7min

The Influence of Money in Elections

8min

Geopolitical Tensions and Humanitarian Crises

3min

Controversial Vaccine Narratives and Political Implications

6min

Wisconsin voters will head to the polls Tuesday (if they haven’t already) to choose a new member of the State Supreme Court. The race between two state circuit court judges — liberal Susan Crawford and conservative Brad Schimel — is now the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history, in no small part because the winner will decide control of the key swing state's highest court. But also because Elon Musk and his allies have been pouring millions into the race. Ben Wikler, chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, explains what's at stake in Tuesday's race.

And in headlines: President Donald Trump called up NBC to say some crazy shit, Iran rejected direct negotiations with the U.S. over its nuclear program, and the death toll from a massive earthquake in Myanmar climbed to around 1,700.

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What A Day

Musk Throws Millions Into Wisc. Supreme Court Race

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Wisconsin Supreme Court Election

Elon Musk's Involvement and Implications

Voter Mobilization and Challenges Ahead

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts