Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidates Clash Over Abortion, Donor Influence, and Court Objectivity

The pivotal April 1 election will determine the ideological balance of the court, with implications for abortion access, redistricting, and election laws.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 1 will decide whether liberals maintain a 4-3 majority or conservatives regain control in a race with national implications.
Key issues discussed in the only debate included abortion access, with candidates disagreeing on the validity and enforcement of the state's 1849 abortion law.
The race has become the most expensive judicial contest in U.S. history, with over $59 million spent and significant contributions from figures like Elon Musk and George Soros.
Susan Crawford, the liberal-backed candidate, criticized Brad Schimel for alleged partisanship and support for restrictive abortion laws, while Schimel accused Crawford of judicial activism and benefiting from out-of-state donors.
The court's future decisions could impact redistricting, voter ID laws, and other critical issues, highlighting the stakes for Wisconsin and national politics.