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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Sam Levine

Wisconsin supreme court race a litmus test for Elon Musk’s political power

a woman and a man sit at a table in front of a moderator
The Wisconsin supreme court judicial candidates Susan Crawford, left, and Brad Schimel debate in Milwaukee on 12 March 2025. Photograph: Jovanny Hernandez/USA Today Network via Reuters

A race to determine control of the Wisconsin supreme court that has profound stakes for voting, abortion and labor rights in the state, is also shaping up to be a litmus test of Elon Musk’s political power, making it one of the most consequential elections of Donald Trump’s second term.

Liberals currently hold a 4-3 majority on the state supreme court, but the liberal justice Ann Walsh Bradley is retiring. Susan Crawford, a liberal judge, is facing off on Tuesday against the conservative judge Brad Schimel for the seat. The winner will determine which party has control of a court that is set to rule on the future of the state’s 1849 abortion ban, collective bargaining rights and the makeup of the state’s eight congressional districts.

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