A high-stakes battle for Wisconsin's Supreme Court seat intensifies as conservative candidate Brad Schimel receives substantial financial backing from an unexpected source.

According to USA TODAY, Elon Musk's America PAC has invested $1 million in voter turnout efforts to support Schimel's campaign against liberal candidate Susan Crawford in the upcoming April 1 election.

The substantial donation aims to mobilize low-propensity and first-time voters through canvassing and field operations. This development comes shortly after Building America's Future, another Musk-backed organization, secured $1.5 million in television advertising across Wisconsin's five markets.

Tesla lawsuit coincides with campaign contributions

The timing of Musk's involvement raises questions as Tesla recently filed a lawsuit in Outagamie County Circuit Court. The legal action challenges the state's decision preventing Tesla from opening dealerships in Madison, Milwaukee, Glendale, and Grand Chute.

Conservative groups including Building America's Future, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, and Fair Courts America have collectively invested approximately $4.6 million in television airtime. These organizations have aligned themselves with Schimel's campaign.

Crawford's campaign has voiced strong opposition to the influx of Musk-backed funding. Despite raising $7.7 million compared to Schimel's $5.1 million, Crawford faces significant opposition from well-funded conservative groups.

Candidate denies connection with billionaire donor

Schimel addressed the controversy during a Milwaukee news conference, stating:

I've never met nor talked to Elon Musk. No one from my team has ever talked to anyone from Elon Musk's team. He hasn't asked me for anything, and I haven't told him I would do anything.

The conservative candidate has previously expressed anticipation of support from outside groups. At a Jefferson County gathering, he openly discussed his expectations for advertising assistance from organizations like Fair Courts and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.

Building America's Future has demonstrated significant influence in previous elections, having invested $23 million in conservative candidates during 2023. The organization maintains support from various individual and corporate donors, including Musk.

Campaign spending reaches unprecedented levels

The race has attracted substantial attention from national donors and organizations. Schimel has acknowledged cultivating relationships with contributors beyond Wisconsin's borders, projecting outside spending between $10 million to $15 million.

Liberal groups have also joined the financial battle, with A Better Wisconsin Together's political action committee contributing $258,075 to oppose Schimel. The organization previously invested over $6.3 million in the 2023 Supreme Court race.

Fair Courts America, primarily funded by Republican megadonor Richard Uihlein, maintains a significant presence in Wisconsin judicial elections. The super PAC invested $5.4 million in the previous year's Supreme Court contest between Janet Protasiewicz and Dan Kelly.

Wisconsin Supreme Court battle intensifies

The April 1 election represents a crucial moment for Wisconsin's judicial landscape as Elon Musk's organizations commit substantial resources to support Brad Schimel's campaign. The conservative candidate faces liberal opponent Susan Crawford in a race that will determine the ideological direction of the state's highest court while both campaigns navigate the complex dynamics of unprecedented outside spending and influential donor involvement.