Opinion | Elon Musk Made an Election About Him and Wisconsin Said, No, Thanks'
Briefly

Elon Musk spent over $20 million to support conservative candidate Brad Schimel in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, framing it as a pivotal moment in American democracy. However, his efforts backfired as Schimel's opponent, Susan Crawford, won decisively by about 10 points. The election outcome serves as a referendum on Musk's political clout and raises concerns among Republicans about the billionaire's impact on their party, particularly regarding his alignment with Trump. The backlash from voters indicates a need for GOP lawmakers to reassess their connections and strategies moving forward.
Musk's involvement turned the court contest into a referendum on himself and Trump, but voters decided against the candidates he backed.
Despite Musk's efforts and significant financial backing, voters rejected Schimel, leading to a Democratic win that reshaped the court's majority.
Republican lawmakers may need to distance themselves from Musk's influence, as his recent failure in Wisconsin poses electoral risks for the party.
The results of the Wisconsin supreme court election signal to Republican members that Musk’s pursuits could jeopardize their unified control and popularity.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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