With early voting underway, President Donald Trump is sounding the alarm for Wisconsin conservatives. His endorsement of Judge Brad Schimel comes with a warning that losing the state’s Supreme Court seat could derail his administration’s efforts nationwide.
Trump’s statement calls out liberal candidate Susan Crawford for her judicial record, describing her as part of a movement to weaken the Constitution, public safety and conservative values. Schimel, a Waukesha County judge and former state attorney general, thanked Trump and said the court’s future hangs in the balance.
The April 1 election will determine whether conservatives regain control of the state’s highest court. With one seat open due to a retiring liberal justice, a Schimel victory would shift the court’s majority. Trump told voters that if Crawford wins, Wisconsin may be lost to the left.
Wisconsin election for the state supreme court is critical. Frens in WI, Trump is asking you to vote early. We need to stop these radical activist judges.https://t.co/i77NyYGBJohttps://t.co/R3uEIIIIOQ pic.twitter.com/JrCK2XVa1B
— Nevs (@Nevstv) March 22, 2025
Republican leaders in the state are treating the race as a national priority. Conservative organizations, including those linked to Elon Musk, have poured millions into the contest. Meanwhile, Democratic donors, including George Soros and Gov. J.B. Pritzker, have backed Crawford.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election April 1st, 2025 is critical to the success of MAGA and the Trump Presidency. Brad Schimel must win! https://t.co/5pMwtLbg8r
— CrosscutSaw (@saw_crosscut) March 6, 2025
Early turnout in places like Waukesha County has been strong, with voters citing immigration, crime and judicial activism as top concerns. In Madison, progressive groups are mobilizing voters by attacking Schimel’s ties to Trump.
IT’S TIME TO ACT NOW🚨🇺🇸
There is a critical election on April 1st to reclaim the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and TPAction is deploying hundreds of patriots to travel to Wisconsin and chase ballots ⚡️
Winning Wisconsin in 2025 isn't just about securing a Supreme Court seat—it’s… pic.twitter.com/uZe1ngL2Cf
— Driena Sixto (@DrienaSixto) March 11, 2025
A recent message from the Wisconsin Democratic Party revealed national ambitions behind Crawford’s campaign. It cited redistricting cases as a path to flip two U.S. House seats currently held by Republicans — a move that could impact control of Congress in 2026.
Brett Favre is endorsing Brad Schimmel for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, urging voters to “keep Wisconsin and America winning” by supporting Schimmel on April 1. Linking Schimmel’s NFL fame with Wisconsin pride is intended to boost conservative turnout in this critical election pic.twitter.com/euotnpWDOP
— Victoria🌱 (@Victoria18688) March 23, 2025
The race has already broken spending records, becoming the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history. More than $59 million has been spent, and outside money continues to flood the state.
During early voting, Schimel attended a rally featuring Trump allies, including Charlie Kirk and Donald Trump Jr., where the message was clear: losing this race is not an option.
