Elon Musk’s Humiliating Loss in Wisconsin, Elon Musk the billionaire founder of Tesla and SpaceX, has long been seen as a disruptor, not just in technology but also in politics. His foray into the Wisconsin Supreme Court race in 2024 was marked by high stakes, lavish spending, and bold political maneuvers. However, despite pouring millions into the campaign, Musk faced a resounding defeat at the hands of Wisconsin voters, who chose to maintain the state’s 4-3 liberal majority on the state Supreme Court.
Elon Musk’s High-Profile Intervention
The race became one of the most expensive state Supreme Court elections in history, with more than $100 million spent by both candidates. Musk played a major role in supporting Brad Schimel, the conservative candidate backed by former President Donald Trump. His involvement included both financial support and personal appearances, but his efforts were in vain as Judge Susan Crawford, a Dane County Circuit Court judge, emerged victorious. Musk’s intense campaigning and lavish stunts, such as offering $1 million each to two voters in Green Bay, only highlighted his desperation to sway the election in Schimel’s favor.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court Election: A Crucial Contest
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race carried significant weight, as the outcome would influence the state’s judicial landscape for years to come. The state’s Supreme Court plays a pivotal role in deciding cases related to voter rights, abortion laws, and gerrymandering. With a liberal-leaning majority at stake, Musk’s financial backing of Schimel was seen as an effort to shift the balance of power toward more conservative rulings, which could have had national implications. However, Wisconsin voters made it clear that they did not want the richest man in the world dictating their state’s judicial future.

Elon Musk’s Failed Stunts and Massive Spending
Musk was not just a silent financial backer; he was an active participant in the race. At a final tele-town hall appearance, he made an impassioned plea, claiming that the outcome of this election could decide “whether Republicans or Democrats control the House of Representatives”. He went as far as to say that the election was critical to “the future of civilization.” Musk’s involvement was further amplified when he donned a cheesehead hat, a symbol of Wisconsin’s cultural pride, in an attempt to connect with local voters. His $2 million giveaway and brash media stunts were meant to grab attention, but instead, they only drew criticism.
Despite his high-profile involvement, the race saw unprecedented voter turnout, which indicated that voters were more interested in preserving their state’s judicial integrity than in being swayed by the intervention of billionaires like Musk.

A Victory for Local Voters
The defeat of Elon Musk’s candidate, Schimel, is a victory for the people of Wisconsin. It shows that even with all the financial backing and media attention that Musk could muster, the local electorate was not willing to let a billionaire dictate their state’s future. Judge Crawford’s victory reflects a growing trend of political resistance against the undue influence of wealth in state and national elections.
Key Takeaways from Wisconsin’s Supreme Court Race:
- Elon Musk’s influence is not absolute: Despite his wealth and media presence, Musk could not sway the election in his favor.
- Voter engagement is increasing: The election marked record turnout, signaling that voters are increasingly motivated to protect their state’s political independence.
- The role of money in politics: While Musk’s spending was substantial, it was not enough to secure a victory for his preferred candidate, proving that money alone cannot guarantee political outcomes.
The Political Landscape Post-Election
Elon Musk’s defeat in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race is not just a loss for the billionaire—it’s a wake-up call for those who believe that money can control the political process. The result highlights a growing sense of political empowerment among ordinary voters who are resisting the influence of wealthy elites in their local elections.
Elon Musk’s Impact on the 2024 Elections
While Musk’s defeat was a major blow to his political aspirations, the election also had broader implications for the 2024 elections. Wisconsin remains a critical swing state, and the results of this race show that voters in the state are keenly aware of the stakes involved. The outcome could be seen as a test case for the larger political battles that are expected in the coming year, especially as President Trump re-enters the political arena.
The result also highlights a divisive undercurrent in the political landscape, as Musk’s loss was compounded by the passing of a Republican-led voter ID measure in the state. This conservative victory was seen as a win for the Republican party, and it added a layer of complexity to the overall political climate in Wisconsin.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for Musk?
While Musk may have faced a humiliating loss, the larger question remains: what does this mean for his future political involvement? Will he continue to pour money into local races, or will this defeat signal a shift in strategy? Musk’s political ambitions may have been set back, but his influence, especially in the tech world, remains formidable. However, Wisconsin’s voters have shown that they are ready to reject undue influence and make their voices heard in elections.
Ultimately, this race serves as a reminder that, while billionaires like Musk may hold tremendous financial power, they cannot buy the hearts and minds of voters—especially when those voters feel their future is at stake.
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