Trump Loyalist Brad Schimel Seeks to Flip Wisconsin Supreme Court

Wisconsin Supreme Court Race: Judge Schimel’s Trump Affiliation Sparks Controversy

In the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race, all eyes are on Judge Brad Schimel, who is campaigning with an openly pro-Trump stance amid a politically charged environment. The dynamics of the race he finds himself in bear a striking resemblance to an incident that unfolded back in October 2016, shortly after the release of the “Access Hollywood” recording, which featured then-candidate Donald J. Trump making controversial remarks about women.

During a rally in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, following the release of the recording, a chorus of prominent Republican figures, including Paul Ryan, Governor Scott Walker, and Senator Ron Johnson, distanced themselves from Trump and denounced his statements as “inexcusable” and “indefensible.” However, Judge Schimel stood out among his peers, defending Trump by emphasizing the former president’s commitment to appointing judges who respect the Constitution, despite acknowledging that some of Trump’s remarks were indeed “bad.”

Now, as Judge Schimel seeks to reclaim a conservative majority in the state Supreme Court after a liberal shift in 2023, he aims to harness the pro-Trump enthusiasm that helped the former president secure a victory in Wisconsin during the last presidential election. This time, Schimel’s approach has been distinctly partisan. He has actively aligned himself with Trump’s rhetoric, echoing unfounded claims about election fraud, attending campaign rallies, and even walking door-to-door to rally support. His tactics have stirred both intrigue and concern, as he positions himself not just as a judge but as a vocal supporter of Trump.

During a recent event organized by the conservative group Turning Point Action, Schimel expressed his wish to create a "support network" for Trump, claiming that Democrats are intent on preventing him from achieving a win. This appeal for support is rooted in a broader strategy to galvanize Republican voters, especially those who might be disillusioned or feel the impact of recent political shifts in the state.

The political landscape has changed significantly since the liberal victory in 2023, fueled by public outcry following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Now, Schimel faces a liberal opponent, Susan Crawford, who has effectively capitalized on the partisan divide, accentuating Musk’s financial influence in the race, which has drawn considerable attention. The nearly $6.2 million from Elon Musk’s super PAC, along with additional financial backing, has positioned the race as one of the most expensive judicial elections in American history, highlighting the high stakes involved in the judicial landscape of Wisconsin.

Crawford and her allies have seized upon Musk’s funding to frame the election as a struggle against the corporate influences that threaten democracy. The Democratic Party in Wisconsin has actively campaigned against Schimel’s alignment with Musk, branding their efforts as "The People v. Musk." This strategy underscores a deep-seated resentment among voters towards Musk, as recent polling indicates that 97% of Democrats view him unfavorably.

While Schimel seeks a prominent endorsement from Trump to energize the Republican base, he has attempted to navigate the complexities of his judicial ethics by asserting that, should he win, he would remain impartial, even stating that he would rule against Trump if the law warranted it. This balancing act aims to satisfy both Trump supporters and more traditional Republican voters who might be wary of Schimel’s overt loyalty to the former president.

Despite his efforts to appear nonpartisan, Schimel’s actions reflect a clear alignment with Trump’s political ideology. Throughout his tenure, he has frequently echoed Trump’s sentiments regarding elections and governance, even demonstrating this affinity through public performances, including a Halloween party where he dressed as Trump in a sanitation worker’s costume. Such displays of allegiance have drawn criticism but also resonate with a segment of the electorate that remains loyal to Trump.

As the race heats up with massive financial backing and clear partisan lines, the Wisconsin Supreme Court election is transforming into a microcosm of the national political climate. The outcome of this race will not only impact the judicial landscape of Wisconsin but may also serve as a bellwether for Trump’s ongoing influence within the Republican Party as he continues to champion candidates who embody his brand of politics.

With all these factors at play, Judge Schimel’s campaign embodies the challenges and complexities of contemporary American political life, where loyalty to Trump can either be a tremendous asset or a potential liability as candidates strive to connect with their constituents amidst a chaotic political environment. The election promises to be a defining moment for Republicans and Democrats, revealing not only the power of financial influence in politics but also the interplay between personal loyalty and judicial impartiality.