In a major demonstration of the national stakes in local judiciary races, both Former President Barack Obama and Donald Trump have endorsed candidates in the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election. The election is set to decisively influence the court's balance of power.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Former Presidents are backing opposing candidates in a pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court contest slated for next week.
On Tuesday, Barack Obama made his endorsement known through a post on the social media platform X. He backed Susan Crawford, a judge serving in Dane County, emphasizing the urgency for Wisconsin voters to participate in the election early, ideally before April 1st.
Meanwhile, in a contrasting move, Donald Trump conveyed his support for the conservative candidate, Waukesha County Judge Schimel, through his platform Truth Social. This divergent endorsement underscores the sharply polarized nature of the race.
The stakes for this election are high, with the potential to shift the judicial majority. Currently, liberals hold a fragile one-seat majority on the seven-member Wisconsin Supreme Court. A victory for Susan Crawford would preserve this status quo.
Conversely, a win for Judge Schimel would enable conservatives to reclaim control of the court, which they previously lost in 2023. This possibility has intensified the tone and stakes of the campaigning on both sides.
Both candidates have recognized the significance of this electoral contest. Susan Crawford has publicly expressed her gratitude towards Obama, reiterating the importance of the race in protecting “the fundamental rights and freedoms of Wisconsinites.”
Highlighting the national interest in the race, high-profile figures have rallied behind the candidates. Schimel has been visibly supported by significant conservative personalities, including Donald Trump Jr. and activist Charlie Kirk, at a rally in Oconomowoc. Moreover, Schimel reportedly discussed race-related issues with Elon Musk on social media, signaling the breadth of his campaign’s outreach.
Obama, in his endorsement, emphasized the crucial role of judges in safeguarding rights, urging immediate voter action: "We’ve all seen how important judges are in protecting our rights, so vote early — don’t wait until April 1st."
Jacob Fischer, a spokesman for Schimel, cast the liberal side as manipulative, accusing them of planning to use the Supreme Court to “deliver favors, retain power, and force a radical agenda on Wisconsin.”
The endorsements from such high-profile figures have not only intensified the spotlight on the race but also framed the narrative presented to the voters. Crawford’s campaign has leveraged Obama's endorsement by framing her candidacy as vital for maintaining liberties and judicial impartiality in Wisconsin.
In stark contrast, the conservative campaign has painted the liberal side as opportunistic, indicating a potential tilt towards judicial activism.
These diverging approaches mirror broader national political divisions, bringing weighty ideological battles into what are traditionally non-partisan judicial races.
The outcome of next week's election will decide more than a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court; it will signify either a continuity or a change in the judicial philosophy that guides pivotal decisions in the state. As Wisconsinites prepare to vote, the impact of these presidential endorsements may be a defining factor in the high-stakes battle for judicial authority.