A Hard Blow for Elon Musk: $25,000,000 Lost in Wisconsin Supreme Court Election

Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, suffered a stunning defeat in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, losing over $25 million in investments after his heavily-backed candidate, Brad Schimel, failed to win. The race, which turned into one of the most expensive judicial elections in American history, ended with Susan Crawford, a liberal-backed candidate, securing a critical seat that ensures a 4-3 liberal majority on the state’s highest court.

This outcome is more than just a political defeat for Musk—it represents a massive financial blow, especially considering his enormous financial investment in the election. The defeat also comes at a time when Musk is facing heightened scrutiny in various areas of his business and public life, including the financial health of his companies and his increasing involvement in political ventures.

While state supreme court elections are often overlooked, the 2025 Wisconsin race attracted nationwide attention. The contest between Schimel, a Republican-backed candidate, and Crawford, a Democrat-supported candidate, became a proxy battle for the nation’s political future.

Wisconsin, a swing state, has been a battleground for political influence since the 2016 election and remains critical in shaping the trajectory of national politics.

The race was not just about Wisconsin’s judicial makeup; it was a reflection of the influence that President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk hoped to wield over the state’s legal system. With a 4-3 conservative majority in the state court, the outcome of this election could significantly impact future rulings on key issues such as abortion access, voting rights, and redistricting.

Musk, who has increasingly used his wealth and influence to support conservative causes, made a massive push to secure Schimel’s election. However, despite spending millions of dollars and leveraging his influence, Musk’s efforts failed to sway voters. This defeat has come as a shock to both Musk and his supporters, particularly given the scale of his financial contributions.

Musk’s financial involvement in the election was substantial. According to reports, he spent at least $22 million directly supporting Schimel through America PAC, a political action committee Musk founded in 2024 to back President Donald Trump and other conservative candidates.

Musk’s donations made up a significant portion of the funds spent in the race, which totalled a record $90 million, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.

In addition to his direct donations, Musk funded several initiatives aimed at raising awareness and motivating voters to support Schimel. This included funding giveaways that offered $100 for those who signed a petition calling for the rejection of "activist judges," a term Musk frequently used to describe liberal judges in the judiciary.

Three petition participants were also promised $1 million checks for their efforts. Additionally, Musk encouraged participants to recruit others to sign the petition, offering $20 for every person they brought on board.

This aggressive and high-stakes approach made the Wisconsin Supreme Court race the most expensive state-level judicial election in U.S. history. Musk’s spending, which amounted to at least $25 million, was aimed at tilting the scale in favor of Schimel, but it ultimately fell short.

The election results delivered a crushing blow to Musk’s political aspirations, with Crawford emerging victorious and preserving the 4-3 liberal majority on the court.

Musk’s defeat in the Wisconsin race is particularly striking given the size of his financial commitment and the national significance of the election. The fact that Musk, who had been so instrumental in shaping the political landscape, saw such a large portion of his wealth tied up in a losing effort is a wake-up call for both Musk and his supporters.

The $25 million loss represents a significant portion of Musk's vast fortune, which has already been under pressure due to stock declines in Tesla and other business challenges. As Musk’s wealth faces turbulence, this latest defeat serves as a reminder of the risks involved in using personal wealth to influence political outcomes.

Musk’s involvement in such high-stakes political games also raises concerns about his ability to maintain focus on his core businesses, including Tesla and SpaceX, which are facing their own set of challenges.

Critics of Musk’s political involvement argue that his attempts to buy influence in the judiciary are emblematic of a broader pattern of corporate overreach and a lack of accountability. Derrick Honeyman, spokesperson for Susan Crawford’s campaign, described Musk’s efforts as corrupt and extreme, saying, "It’s disgraceful to our state and judiciary."

While Musk has often been lauded for his innovation and contributions to technology, his increasing involvement in politically charged battles has drawn significant criticism. The Wisconsin Supreme Court race marks a major failure in his political influence campaign and raises questions about the impact of his broader strategy in American politics.

With Susan Crawford’s victory, Wisconsin’s Supreme Court will continue to hold a 4-3 liberal majority. This outcome has significant implications for the future of several critical issues, including abortion rights, voting laws, and the redrawing of congressional districts.

With a liberal majority in place, it is expected that the court will push for more progressive policies on these issues, which could lead to a clash with the conservative agenda pushed by Musk and his allies.

One of the most pressing issues for Wisconsin’s judiciary is the potential for the court to weigh in on cases related to abortion rights. In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, Wisconsin’s state court could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of abortion access in the state.

Additionally, the court is expected to be a key player in any future redistricting decisions, which have the potential to impact the political balance of power in Wisconsin and beyond.

The future of unions in Wisconsin could also hinge on the decisions made by the state’s highest court. As a traditionally union-friendly state, the fate of labor rights in Wisconsin will be shaped by the court’s rulings on various labor-related issues.

With a liberal majority in place, it is likely that the court will protect the rights of unions and workers, much to the dismay of conservative groups who have long sought to limit union power.

Elon Musk’s involvement in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election represents a clear example of the risks associated with using personal wealth to influence political outcomes. While his financial backing of Schimel failed to secure a win, Musk’s influence in American politics and business is far from over.

The lessons learned from this defeat will likely inform Musk’s future political strategies as he navigates the challenges facing his companies and his public image.

Musk’s wealth and influence remain formidable, but his loss in Wisconsin is a sobering reminder that even the wealthiest individuals cannot always sway the political landscape in their favor. As Musk moves forward, it will be interesting to see how this political setback affects his involvement in future elections and his business ventures.

For now, Musk faces the challenge of recovering from this financial and political loss, while continuing to lead his companies through uncertain times.

While Elon Musk’s attempt to influence the Wisconsin Supreme Court election may have faltered, his role in shaping political discourse is far from over. Musk’s defeat in this election serves as a significant moment in his broader political journey, one that will likely have lasting repercussions for both his personal fortune and his businesses.

For now, Musk may need to reconsider his approach to political involvement, particularly as he faces growing pressure from both the public and the markets. The battle for control of Wisconsin’s judiciary may be over, but Musk’s influence on American politics and business continues to evolve.