Wisconsin Chooses Democracy Over Elon Musk’s Millions
A Supreme Court Race at the Heart of Democracy
Tonight, on April 1, 2025, Wisconsin reminded America what real democracy looks like. In a high-stakes state Supreme Court race, voters delivered a powerful message by electing Democratic-backed Judge Susan Crawford over Elon Musk-backed Brad Schimel.
This was no ordinary election – it was a referendum on whether the courts serve the people or bow to billionaires. Against a backdrop of outside interference and MAGA extremism, Wisconsin’s citizens stood up for freedom and fairness, showing the nation that our votes are not for sale.
As one first-time voter put it, she was “tired of billionaires thinking they get to make the rules”
From the start, this contest was a battle for the soul of the state’s judiciary. On one side stood Susan Crawford, a jurist with a reputation for principled fairness and a promise to uphold constitutional order. On the other was Brad Schimel, a former attorney general whose campaign became a magnet for outside money and extreme agendas. By choosing Crawford, voters didn’t just fill a court seat; they affirmed values that define America’s best aspirations. Their collective voice shouted loud and clear: money can’t buy our democracy.
Elon Musk’s Big Bet and Cheesy Gimmicks
Elon Musk tried to turn this Midwest judicial race into his personal project, pouring a fortune into Schimel’s campaign. He treated the election like a startup – as if enough cash and hype could “disrupt” an election.
Musk bankrolled ad blitzes, flooded social media with endorsements, and even flew in for rallies like a messiah descending on Milwaukee. Reports show more than $20 million was funneled into the race from Musk-aligned PACs and outside groups trying to prop up Schimel—because apparently, when you’re the richest man on the planet, meddling in local democracy is just another weekend hobby.
But the real circus act? Musk offered to give away $1 million in cash prizes to “randomly selected” voters, a stunt so outrageous it triggered an active lawsuit over potential election bribery. Because nothing screams respect for democracy like dangling dollar bills over ballot boxes.
And then came the cheesehead moment—a towering wedge of foam plopped on Musk’s head at a rally, as he bounced around the stage trying to woo voters with Wisconsin cosplay. It was absurd, insulting, and breathtakingly out of touch. You could almost hear the eye-rolls across the state.
Did he really think Wisconsin voters would be wowed by a Silicon Valley celebrity in cosplay? Folks there know the difference between genuine grassroots support and a manufactured circus. Voters didn’t need a tech billionaire in a funny hat telling them how to vote.
Voters Choose Integrity Over Influence
When the votes were counted, the result was clear: Susan Crawford triumphed, and Musk’s grand experiment failed spectacularly. All the tweets, TV ads, and gimmicks couldn’t outweigh the simple power of people’s convictions. Across the state, Wisconsinites turned out in record numbers, including many young and independent voters newly energized after years of cynicism. This contest wasn’t just left versus right – it was authenticity versus audacity. And authenticity won.
Voters chose a judge who spoke about protecting their rights and the rule of law over a candidate who seemed beholden to an outside billionaire. As one first-time voter put it, she was “tired of billionaires thinking they get to make the rules” – a feeling that clearly resonated. Even in an age of frustration, people still care about honesty, fairness, and having a real say.
What Was at Stake: Rights and the Rule of Law
This wasn’t some trivial local contest. Fundamental rights were on the line. Wisconsin’s Supreme Court will shape laws on everything from voting access to reproductive freedom.
A Schimel win could have green-lit voter suppression or let MAGA extremists drag the state into election-subverting schemes. (Recall that Wisconsin was one vote away from overturning the 2020 presidential result.) There were fears a conservative court would impose an extremist agenda on everything from elections to women’s bodies. In short, this election was about preserving the state’s constitutional guardrails.
By electing Crawford, voters chose to keep those guardrails intact and safeguard judicial independence. They picked a justice committed to being a bulwark against authoritarian creep. For regular people, these aren’t abstract ideas; they’re what keep life free and fair. Young people especially understood the stakes. They’ve seen politics teeter on the edge with rights slipping away, and they weren’t about to let their future slide further.
Freedom, Fairness, and the Future
With this win, Wisconsin reclaimed patriotism’s true meaning. Freedom isn't for billionaires to buy an election; it's the people's right to choose their destiny. Fairness isn't handed down by the powerful; it's a level playing field where justice isn't for sale. And the future belongs to engaged citizens, not to extremists and their billionaire backers.
It's telling that everyday Americans just schooled one of the world's richest men on these basic truths. Musk got a Civics 101 lesson: democracy isn't a toy and voters aren't a user base to monetize. They're citizens with voices – voices that just shouted our freedom and future are not for sale.
Where Does the Movement Go from Here?
Wisconsin’s victory is more than a one-off headline; it’s part of a larger movement for democratic renewal in America. Here are a few takeaways:
- Grassroots power works: Money can buy ads, but it can’t buy an election if people show up.
- Protect the guardians of justice: State Supreme Court races usually fly under the radar, but they are crucial. Courts safeguard our rights and our votes. We must pay attention to these races and ensure fair-minded judges are on the bench.
- Reject extremism, embrace engagement: The failure of Musk’s candidate is a blow to MAGA extremism and a win for common sense. Younger voters will reject chaos and conspiracy when given a clear choice – but only if we keep them engaged. Their hope and participation are the antidotes to apathy.
Wisconsin has given hope to Americans far beyond its borders. Even in an era of dark money and cynical power grabs, government by the people still stands strong. No billionaire – no matter how much he spends or how silly a hat he wears – can buy the will of the people. Susan Crawford’s win reminds us that the future of freedom and fairness belongs not to billionaires like Musk but to all of us who cherish our voice and our vote.
Mitch Jackson, Esq. | links
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Excellent, as always! We will not succumb to the antics of a spoiled, sketchy, sieg-heiling brat, nor will we be a supply of biofuel (Yarvin) or party to Thiel’s grand plan to control us with his killer robots. Power to the People!
Exciting times! Let’s keep fighting for what is right. Love your work! Maria