Democrats are hoping to capitalize on anti-Elon Musk sentiments ahead of a highly anticipated Wisconsin state Supreme Court election on Tuesday.
The statewide race has garnered nationwide attention − and dollars. Seen as a potential bellwether for next year’s midterm elections and real-time referendum on the second Trump administration, the face-off in the Badger State will decide if Wisconsin’s highest court leans left or right on issues like abortion policy and voter ID laws.
Both parties say the stakes are high, and President Donald Trump’s billionaire ally has upped the ante by pouring almost $20 million into the conservative judicial candidate’s campaign.
While Musk and Trump have gone all in on the race on behalf of Republican Brad Schimel, Democrats are launching attacks aimed at benefiting their candidate, Susan Crawford.
In a press release shared with USA TODAY, the Democratic National Committee announced they are publishing ads over the weekend in several local Wisconsin papers targeting the world’s richest man.
“Elon Musk is trying to buy a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat for Brad Schimel,” the ad reads in bolded letters, above a black and white photo of Musk making a gesture many have compared to a Nazi salute.