Elon Musk Funds Most Expensive State Supreme Court Race in U.S. History

Billionaire Backs Conservative Candidate in Wisconsin's High-Stakes Judicial Election

The battle for control of Wisconsin's Supreme Court has shattered spending records, becoming the most expensive state judicial race in American history—with tech mogul Elon Musk playing a surprising role in financing the conservative campaign.

Why This Race Matters

Wisconsin's Supreme Court is currently split 4-3 in favor of conservatives, but a retirement has opened a pivotal seat. The outcome could reshape critical decisions on:

• Abortion rights – Potential reversal of the state's 1849 abortion ban
• Election laws – Rules for the 2024 presidential race
• Legislative maps – Currently among the most gerrymandered in the nation

The Musk Connection

Campaign finance records reveal Elon Musk donated $25,000 to the conservative candidate Daniel Kelly through his political action committee. This injection of funds came during the final stretch of the race as outside spending topped $42 million—more than triple the previous record for a state judicial contest.

"When billionaires treat state courts like another acquisition target, our democracy pays the price," said Brennan Center voting rights director.

Unprecedented Campaign Tactics

1. Attack ads ran at saturation levels across Wisconsin media markets
2. Both candidates made direct appeals to national donor networks
3. Out-of-state groups accounted for 84% of total spending

The liberal-aligned candidate, Judge Janet Protasiewicz, outraised her opponent but faced relentless attacks tying her to "radical criminal justice policies." Meanwhile, Kelly's campaign positioned him as the "last line of defense" against Democratic policies.

What Happens Next?

With early voting underway, legal experts warn the spending frenzy could:

• Politicize judicial elections beyond repair
• Create conflicts of interest for future cases
• Set a dangerous precedent for other state courts

What Do You Think?

• Should billionaires be allowed to influence state court elections?
• Is it unethical for judges to campaign on specific policy positions?
• Would term limits for state Supreme Court justices solve this problem?
• Should Wisconsin switch to an appointed rather than elected judiciary? (Controversial)
• Does Musk's involvement reveal tech leaders' growing political ambitions? (Controversial)

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