Brad Schimel and Susan Crawford, both state judges vying to become Wisconsin’s next Supreme Court justice, engaged in a contentious debate focused on reproductive rights and campaign financing. The race, scheduled for April 1, is technically nonpartisan but high-profile billionaires and outside groups are pouring millions into the campaign. The outcome will determine the court’s ideological balance and could influence issues such as abortion rights, unions, and congressional maps.
Schimel, a conservative judge from Waukesha County, has received support from groups associated with Elon Musk, prompting criticism from Crawford. Likewise, Crawford, a liberal judge from Madison, has garnered backing from liberal billionaires like George Soros, sparking accusations from Schimel.
The candidates also clashed over the fate of Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban, with Schimel suggesting the law is valid, while Crawford refrained from taking a position. They also discussed other key issues likely to come before the court, such as the elimination of collective bargaining for public workers and challenges to the state’s congressional maps.
Both candidates faced questions about recusing themselves from cases related to big donors. Crawford stated she would recuse herself from cases involving the Wisconsin Democratic Party if necessary, while Schimel was uncertain about recusing himself from a potential Tesla case before the court.
Overall, the debate highlighted the significance of the upcoming election in shaping Wisconsin’s highest court and the potential impact on crucial issues facing the state.
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