The Wisconsin Supreme Court race has emerged as one of the most critical and expensive judicial elections in American history, with the balance of the court—and possibly the direction of national policies—hanging in the balance. The election will determine the successor to a liberal-leaning justice on the seven-member bench, in a state already known for its political volatility and razor-thin electoral margins.

Central to the contest are two county judges: conservative Brad Schimel, a former Republican attorney general, and liberal-leaning Susan Crawford, a Dane County judge endorsed by Democratic leaders, including former President Barack Obama. Although the race is officially non-partisan, the candidates' political affiliations and the polarized nature of the issues at stake have turned it into a high-stakes proxy battle between the nation’s political titans.

The issues before the court are monumental. Abortion rights, already contested under Wisconsin’s 1849 law, could be redefined. Voter ID laws and redistricting could directly affect the balance of power in Congress. Public labor rights, long a flashpoint in Wisconsin, could also be revisited, making this election pivotal for the state’s legal trajectory.

Adding to the intensity, billionaire Elon Musk has contributed at least $20 million in support of Schimel, raising eyebrows over the role of outside money in judicial independence. On the other side, Crawford is backed by influential progressive donors such as philanthropist Lynde Uihlein, George Soros, and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. The total spending on the race is expected to hit $100 million—more than most U.S. Senate races—according to the Brennan Center for Justice.

Beyond Wisconsin, the outcome of this judicial election could impact national policies and upcoming federal elections. With the court poised to play a decisive role in redistricting, labor laws, and reproductive rights, the entire nation is watching this swing-state showdown.