The race for control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court has seen an unprecedented surge in spending by groups not required to disclose fundraising activities to state watchdogs. According to a Cap Times analysis, these groups have collectively spent over $26 million this year, including $16 million from Elon Musk-affiliated groups in support of Brad Schimel. The race, set for April 1, has already surpassed the previous record for spending in a judicial election in the U.S.
Liberals are attempting to maintain a 4-3 majority on the court, while conservatives aim to regain control. Much of the spending has come from the candidates themselves, as well as the state Democratic and Republican parties supporting their respective candidates. Millions of dollars have also been contributed through independent expenditures.
While candidates, parties, and some political action committees must disclose donors, organizations engaging in “unregistered express advocacy” are not required to disclose unless more than 50% of their spending has gone towards independent expenditures in Wisconsin. This lack of transparency has raised concerns about well-funded groups influencing elections without accountability.
Support for Schimel has dominated the spending, with $23 million in his favor compared to $2.9 million for Susan Crawford. Some organizations, such as those associated with Musk, report limited information to federal election officials, further obscuring donor details. Despite efforts by billionaires on both sides to influence the outcome, concerns remain about dark money and undisclosed donors potentially impacting the integrity of the election process.
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