DNC invokes Musk in first-ever ad buy for Wisconsin Supreme Court race
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has launched its first-ever ad buy targeting Elon Musk and his significant financial contributions to the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. The DNC’s ad buys are set to run in seven local newspapers across Wisconsin, calling attention to the $19 million Musk and his affiliated PACs have spent in support of conservative candidate Brad Schimel. The outcome of this high-stakes state Supreme Court election will determine whether the court retains its current 4-3 liberal majority.
DNC Chair Ken Martin stated, “Musk has threatened Medicare, gutted Social Security services, and now he thinks he can buy himself a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.” The ad campaign aims to highlight Musk’s attempts to influence Wisconsin’s elections and emphasizes the message, “Wisconsin is not for sale.”
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race has already become the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, with a total spending of over $81 million. Musk’s two super PACs have contributed more than $17 million to Schimel’s campaign, while Musk personally donated $3 million to the Wisconsin Republican Party.
President Donald Trump has endorsed conservative candidate Schimel and emphasized the national significance of the race. Former President Barack Obama and other Democrats have thrown their support behind liberal opponent Susan Crawford, the current Dane County circuit judge.
The DNC sees the Wisconsin race as an opportunity to test their attack against Musk and prepare for the 2026 midterm elections. Polling numbers in Wisconsin show that a majority of voters believe Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is disrupting programs required by law and carrying out Trump’s agenda.
As Democrats seek to unify and define their message post-2024 elections, targeting Musk and his influence could serve as a rallying point. The effectiveness of the ad campaign in Wisconsin remains to be seen, but Democrats are hopeful that it will resonate with voters in a state that has been closely contested in recent presidential elections.
