Why George Soros and Democrats have gone all-in on this week’s Wisconsin court race

| Published March 31, 2025

The Wisconsin Supreme Court election has garnered national attention as voters will decide between conservative judge Brad Schimel and liberal judge Susan Crawford. The court’s liberal majority is at risk, with significant implications for national politics. If Crawford wins, the court could overturn former Governor Scott Walker’s public sector union reforms and rule on contentious issues like abortion. Additionally, the court’s decisions on congressional redistricting could grant Democrats two additional House seats, affecting control of Congress.

Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates Dane County Judge Susan Crawford and Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel respond to questions from WISN 12 Political Director Matt Smith during the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court Debate.via REUTERS

George Soros and other influential Democrats have heavily funded Crawford’s campaign, recognizing its potential to obstruct Trump’s legislative agenda and boost Democrats’ influence. Republicans, led by contributions from Elon Musk, have matched Democratic fundraising efforts but face an uphill battle. This election serves as a critical battleground for the judiciary’s role in shaping legislative outcomes nationwide.

 

IMPLICATIONS

The Wisconsin Supreme Court election carries significant implications for both state and national politics:

1. Judicial Balance of Power – If liberal judge Susan Crawford wins, the court’s current liberal majority remains intact, allowing for progressive rulings on key issues. If conservative Brad Schimel wins, the balance could shift, favoring Republican-backed policies.

2. Public Sector Union Laws – A Crawford victory could lead to the overturning of former Governor Scott Walker’s Act 10, which significantly restricted public sector unions. This would strengthen organized labor in Wisconsin and set a precedent for other states.

3. Abortion Rights – The court could play a decisive role in determining abortion access in Wisconsin, potentially blocking or supporting restrictions aligned with national conservative efforts.

4. Redistricting and Congressional Control – A liberal-leaning court could rule in favor of redrawing Wisconsin’s congressional maps, which may give Democrats two additional House seats. This could influence control of Congress in upcoming elections.

5. National Political Strategy – The heavy financial involvement of George Soros and other Democratic donors, along with Republican counter-efforts, underscores the broader national significance of this race. The outcome may serve as a model for judicial election strategies in other battleground states.

6. Trump’s Legislative Agenda – A conservative court could uphold policies favorable to Trump and his allies, while a liberal court could present legal obstacles to his legislative and executive actions if he wins reelection.

 

OVERALL TAKEAWAY

The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is more than just a state-level judicial election—it’s a high-stakes political battle with national consequences. The outcome will determine the court’s ideological balance, influencing key issues such as public sector union laws, abortion rights, and congressional redistricting. A liberal victory could strengthen Democratic influence and potentially shift the balance of power in Congress, while a conservative win could uphold Republican-backed policies and support Trump’s legislative agenda. With heavy financial backing from both sides, this election underscores the growing role of the judiciary in shaping political outcomes and highlights the increasing nationalization of state court races.

 

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SOURCES: THE NEW YORK POST – Why George Soros and Democrats have gone all-in on this week’s Wisconsin court race

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