Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Attracts Record Campaign Money

With more than $81 million spent, the race has become a proxy battle between out-of-state billionaire donors.

(Left) Former Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel in Madison, Wis., on Jan. 5, 2015, and (Right) jurist Susan Crawford in June 2024. (Andy Manis/AP) Susan Crawford for Wisconsin, File

GREEN BAY, Wis.—The Wisconsin Supreme Court race has become a proxy battle for liberal and conservative donors who have spent more than $81 million in a contest both sides say will shape the future of the state and the nation.

Facing off in the April 1 election are Brad Schimel, a Republican-backed county judge from Milwaukee’s western suburbs, and Susan Crawford, a Democrat-supported jurist from Madison.