Trump Calls Wisconsin Court Race A Crucial Fight For His Movement

President Donald Trump made clear that the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election is more than a local contest — it’s a test of strength for his political movement. Trump endorsed Judge Brad Schimel and called on voters to act now before the April 1 deadline.

The endorsement came as Trump blasted Susan Crawford, a judge backed by Democrats, for what he described as a soft-on-crime record. Trump warned that her victory would spell trouble for law enforcement, the Constitution and conservative policies nationwide. Schimel called the endorsement a “deep honor” and said conservatives must not sit on the sidelines. He reminded voters that just a few percentage points could determine whether the court remains left-leaning or flips back. Republican strategists said Democrats have national goals in mind.

A donor email exposed their hopes to win congressional seats through redistricting cases. They view the court as the path to shift power in Washington.

Voters across the state have taken notice. In conservative Waukesha, concerns about immigration and the economy have driven support for Schimel. Meanwhile, in Madison and Milwaukee, voters are rallying behind Crawford.

The race has drawn enormous financial support from both sides. Musk and Soros-linked groups have helped turn the contest into the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history, with spending now surpassing $59 million and still climbing. Conservative and liberal billionaires alike are pouring money into ads, ground game efforts and digital outreach to shape the outcome.

Schimel’s campaign has been boosted by visits from high-profile conservatives. Donald Trump Jr. joined activist Charlie Kirk in Waukesha to rally voters, warning that a liberal win would block his father’s reforms. “This presidency can be put to a halt with this vote,” Trump Jr. said.

Schimel, a former attorney general and current Waukesha County judge, said the race will determine whether Wisconsin returns to constitutional values or continues down a path of activist rulings. He has criticized Crawford for wanting to legislate from the bench and said voters should reject her attempt to turn the court into a political weapon.

With early voting underway, state GOP leaders are pushing for strong turnout from Trump’s 1.7 million Wisconsin voters. Schimel said if just 6 in 10 of them vote, it would be enough to win the court back.

In 2023, liberals took control of the court after a blowout win. Now, with Justice Ann Walsh Bradley retiring, the balance hangs in the hands of voters — and the stakes are even higher.

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