What Musk’s Millions Mean for Wisconsin—and Congress
Mar 25, 2025
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Max Chafkin, a senior writer at Bloomberg Businessweek, discusses how Elon Musk's hefty financial contributions are shaping political dynamics in Wisconsin, especially in the upcoming Supreme Court race. Steve Mann, a Bloomberg Intelligence analyst, provides an optimistic forecast for Tesla sales, despite the challenges the company faces, such as production shifts and factory changes. They also explore the broader effects of wealth on politics and the potential ripple effects of Musk's influence on national elections.
Elon Musk's $13 million investment in Wisconsin's Supreme Court race could reshape judicial control over critical issues like abortion and election laws.
Tesla's market position faces challenges from Musk's political controversies and competition, yet analysts predict a rebound in sales driven by new models.
Deep dives
Elon Musk's Influence in Wisconsin Politics
Elon Musk's political involvement in Wisconsin has emerged as a pivotal factor in the upcoming state Supreme Court race. With a record-breaking expenditure of over $73 million, Musk is backing Republican candidate Brad Schimmel to secure a conservative majority on the court. The outcome of this race could significantly influence key issues such as abortion policy and election laws in this swing state. Musk's campaign efforts not only highlight the stakes of this local election but also symbolize the growing intersection between high-stakes political donations and judicial outcomes across the country.
Impact of Judicial Control on Redistricting
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race holds substantial implications for future state redistricting, which can potentially shift the balance of power in the House of Representatives. Control of the court determines how redistricting plans are approved, a critical issue for both parties as they aim to garner electoral advantages. A conservative majority might favor Republican interests in shaping voter districts, thereby enhancing their chances in upcoming elections. As redistricting decisions often end up in court, the judicial makeup directly affects the political landscape for years to come.
Rise and Challenges of Tesla
Tesla faces a challenging environment amid fluctuating sales and political scrutiny surrounding Elon Musk. Despite recent declines, analysts forecast a potential rebound in Tesla's vehicle sales in the second quarter, driven by new models and production ramp-ups. The anticipated refresh of the Model Y aims to rejuvenate consumer interest, especially in markets like China where demand remains robust. However, ongoing political narratives and competition from other automakers may pose risks to Tesla's brand perception and sales performance.
Political and Market Dynamics Surrounding Tesla
The political climate affects Tesla's market position, particularly as Musk's public persona becomes increasingly polarizing. Analysts note that while Tesla has historically outperformed, current consumer sentiment could be impacted by Musk's political engagements and controversies. As competition intensifies, especially with emerging electric vehicle manufacturers, Tesla must navigate these dynamics carefully to maintain its market share. Observers suggest that successfully launching new models and sustaining positive public relations will be crucial for Tesla to overcome these challenges moving forward.
Elon Musk’s leverage over the Republican Party, made plain by his threats to finance primary challenges against anyone who fails to fully support Donald Trump, comes from his multibillion-dollar bank account. Recently, he’s decided to spend some of that money on behalf of the party. In Wisconsin, Musk has spent upwards of $13 million to sway a state supreme court race that has ramifications for Republican control of the US House of Representatives. To discuss this, host David Papadopoulos is joined by Elon Musk reporter Dana Hull, Bloomberg Businessweek senior writer Max Chafkin and politics reporter Ted Mann. Then, later in the episode, Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Steve Man joins to talk about his optimistic view on Tesla sales.