The article discusses the involvement of Elon Musk in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, emphasizing his significant financial contributions, amounting to tens of millions of dollars, to support the election of a partisan ally to the state’s highest court. Musk attended a rally in Wisconsin, wearing a polyurethane cheesehead, and asserted that the election’s outcome could determine the control of Congress, which he argues is pivotal to steering the course of Western civilization. Musk has expressed his concern that if progressives retain a majority in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court, they may address the state’s existing gerrymandered congressional district maps, potentially increasing Democratic representation.
The article outlines Musk’s efforts to support former Attorney General Brad Schimel, who favors maintaining the current pro-Republican district maps, in opposition to Judge Susan Crawford, a proponent of fair elections and voting rights. Musk further suggests that a redrawing of district maps could jeopardize Republican control of the U.S. House of Representatives, which is currently maintained by a narrow margin.
Despite Musk’s claims, legal experts are focused on encouraging a fair approach to district mapping that would more accurately reflect Wisconsin’s political landscape. Currently, the state’s congressional district maps advantage Republicans, a situation stemming from maps drawn in 2011 during former Republican Governor Scott Walker’s tenure, which were minimally altered after the 2020 Census despite a Democratic governor’s election.
The article further notes the potential for fair districting to enhance political competition in Wisconsin, which has historically displayed a close political divide. It highlights a recent instance when the Wisconsin legislature collaborated to create fair legislative maps, resulting in notable Democratic gains in the state Assembly and Senate.
In summary, while Elon Musk has invested significant resources in maintaining the status quo on Wisconsin’s Supreme Court, advocates for electoral fairness are pushing for district maps that offer an equitable representation of the state’s bipartisan composition, potentially increasing electoral competitiveness and democracy.
