How the April 1st Election Could Define Wisconsin’s Future

It is the final stretch before the April 1st election. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler is pointing out how the state Supreme Court race could define the future. Wikler joins Jane Matenaer and Greg Bach, hosts of Matenaer on Air, to discuss why he believes this election is more than just about choosing a judge. He calls it a referendum on the direction of the state under the growing influence of billionaires like Elon Musk. 

Be a voter. This is the moment when we decide what kind of state we want to be.

WisDem Party Chair Ben Wikler

“The center of this battle is the race for Wisconsin Supreme Court, “Wikler explains. “This key contest pits Brad Schimel, who has deep ties to Musk and Trump, against Susan Crawford, a candidate who promises to uphold the law impartially and without external influence.” 

Wikler calls out Schimel’s campaign, which is heavily funded by Musk. He believes it pushes a dangerous agenda that will allow the whims of powerful billionaires and politicians to shape the judiciary, threatening democracy in Wisconsin.

He also doesn’t mince words when describing Schimel’s approach and describes the candidate’s promise to act as a “support network” for the Trump administration.

“This is a stance that undermines the role of the judiciary as an independent check on executive power,” Wikler says. “Crawford’s campaign stands as a defense of the state’s constitution and the principles of fairness and justice.”

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Listen to the entire interview here:

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The race is also drawing national attention for the impact dark money can have to influence local elections. Wikler stresses the importance of voter turnout in an effort to combat it. And he urges Wisconsinites to make a plan to vote. 

“Be a voter,” Wikler says. “This is the moment when we decide what kind of state we want to be. Wisconsin’s voters have the power to resist the growing political and financial influence of figures like Musk and Trump.” 

And as Wikler puts it, this election offers a unique opportunity for citizens to reject a future where the law is shaped by billionaires and outside interests. And instead ensure that justice in the state remains fair and impartial.

Voter resource: find your polling place and information about what’s on your ballot here.