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his Tuesday, a pivotal special election for the Wisconsin Supreme Court will serve as a litmus test for the substantial Republican triumph seen in last year’s elections.

This election has escalated into the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history, with spending nearing $100 million. Candidates Brad Schimel, who has the backing of Donald Trump, and Susan Crawford, a judge supported by liberal factions, are vying for the position. The result will have significant implications for the court’s supermajority, which currently favors liberal perspectives.

The ramifications of the Wisconsin election are profound, potentially impacting national matters such as abortion rights and the redistricting of congressional constituencies. These changes could significantly reshape the U.S. House of Representatives, where Republicans currently hold a slender majority of 218 to 213, with four vacant seats. Meanwhile, a special election in Florida for the positions held by National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and former Representative Matt Gaetz has already raised concerns about the Republican grip on power.

Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and CEO of X, has stepped into the fray, contributing approximately $20 million to support Schimel. He was also seen personally handing out $1 million checks to two Wisconsin voters on Sunday.

“If the [Wisconsin] Supreme Court is allowed to redraw the districts, they will manipulate the lines, costing Wisconsin two Republican seats,” Musk remarked during a Sunday event. “They will also seek to block all the government reforms we are striving to implement for you, the American people.”

Election day in Wisconsin is set for April 1st. Here’s what you need to know.

Who are the candidates?

This election will have a lasting impact on the ideological orientation of the court in a state that swung for Trump in 2024 but favored Joe Biden in 2020.

Schimel, a former Wisconsin Attorney General who describes himself as a “top cop” on his campaign site, is endorsed by Musk. He promises a hardline approach to crime and positions himself against “rogue judges nationwide who prioritize radical agendas over legal principles.”

He also enjoys the support of Trump.

On the other side, Crawford, Schimel’s opponent, serves as a Circuit Court Judge and is dedicated to protecting the constitutional rights of Wisconsinites. With experience as a prosecutor and a private attorney who represented Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, Crawford emphasizes her commitment to safeguarding essential rights that are under threat from a right-leaning agenda.

She has earned endorsements from four current justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, and organizations like the Wisconsin Education Association Council and Emily’s List.

Why is Elon Musk so invested in this election?

Musk, who described this election as crucial for the “future of civilization” at a recent America PAC event, has made significant financial contributions to the race. Despite a cap on individual campaign donations of $20,000, Musk has reportedly donated at least $3 million to the Wisconsin Republican Party, with additional funds exceeding $20 million flowing from his affiliated groups into the election.

Crawford has vocally opposed Musk’s influence, stating, “Elon Musk is trying to buy influence on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. He wants to place someone there whom he believes he can control and gain access to.”

Furthermore, Tesla is currently embroiled in a lawsuit concerning dealer licenses after its application was denied in 2024 due to a state law preventing manufacturers from owning dealerships, as reported by Wisconsin Public Radio. This case could potentially escalate to the state’s Supreme Court.

Is Musk really giving out $1 million checks to voters?

Indeed, on Sunday, Musk distributed a million-dollar check to two registered voters in Wisconsin.

He previously employed a similar strategy during the general election, offering a million-dollar incentive to voters who registered in swing states. Legal experts have raised concerns about this tactic, as federal law prohibits financial incentives for voter registration.