Donald Trump Jr. Urges Wisconsin Republicans to Secure Victory in High-Stakes Supreme Court Race
On Monday, Donald Trump Jr. addressed a packed rally in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where he emphasized the critical importance of winning the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race. The race, scheduled for April 1, has garnered national attention due to its potential impact on the state’s political landscape and its role in shaping the future of the Republican Party’s agenda. Trump Jr., the eldest son of former President Donald Trump, appeared alongside conservative provocateur Charlie Kirk at an event organized by Turning Point USA, a youth group Kirk founded. The event served as a rallying cry for GOP supporters, urging them to vote in a race that could determine the ideological balance of the Wisconsin Supreme Court for years to come.
Trump Jr. did not mince words, warning that failure to secure a conservative majority on the court could derail his father’s agenda and hinder Republican momentum ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race. “They can’t just show up when he happens to be on the top of that ticket,” Trump Jr. said of his father’s supporters. “You have to engage because it’s not just about now, it’s about that future. This presidency can be put to a halt with this vote.” He framed the race as a pivotal moment in the broader struggle against Democratic efforts to block the Trump agenda, calling it “everything” and labeling it “one little battle” that could have far-reaching consequences.
The High Stakes of the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
The winner of the April 1 election will determine whether the Wisconsin Supreme Court tilts conservative or liberal, a decision that will have ramifications for a host of contentious issues, including abortion and reproductive rights, public sector union strength, voting rules, and congressional district boundaries. The race is officially nonpartisan, but in practice, it has become a highly politicized contest, with Republican-backed candidate Brad Schimel facing off against Democratic-supported candidate Susan Crawford.
Schimel, a Waukesha County judge and former Republican state attorney general, has deep ties to the Trump family and has positioned himself as a staunch defender of conservative values. He attended Trump’s inauguration and recently appeared at a “Mega MAGA rally,” where he posed for photos with an oversized inflatable Trump figure. Crawford, a Dane County judge, is backed by Democratic groups and has been endorsed by prominent figures such as former Democratic Attorney General Eric Holder.
The race is being closely watched as a litmus test for how swing-state voters are responding to the first months of Trump’s presidency. Wisconsin has a history of razor-thin presidential elections, but in the last state Supreme Court race in 2023, the liberal candidate won by an unexpectedly large margin of 11 points. Republicans are determined to avoid a repeat of that outcome, and the race has become the most expensive court race in U.S. history, with over $11 million in spending from outside groups.
GOP Heavyweights Rally Support for Brad Schimel
Hundreds of Wisconsin Republicans gathered in deep-red Waukesha County for Monday’s rally, which coincided with the eve of early voting in the Supreme Court race. The event drew a who’s who of Wisconsin GOP leaders, including former Gov. Scott Walker, state party chairman, national committee members, state lawmakers, and a member of the state elections commission. Brad Schimel, the Republican-backed candidate, was in attendance, urging supporters to stay vigilant and turn out in force for the election.
Schimel delivered a fiery speech, asking, “Do you think the job is done?” He emphasized the importance of maintaining conservative control of the court to protect GOP priorities and ensure the continuation of Trump’s agenda. Schimel has been a longtime ally of the Trump family and has leaned heavily into his connection to the former president, attending his inauguration and appearing at “Mega MAGA rallies.” His campaign has also utilized Trump-themed imagery, including a photo opportunity with an oversized inflatable Trump figure carrying a “Vote Brad Schimel Supreme Court” poster on its chest.
Despite Schimel’s close ties to Trump, the former president has not formally endorsed him in the race. However, Trump backers at the rally expressed optimism that Trump would engage more directly in the final stretch of the campaign to help Schimel secure victory. Soslan Temanson, a 26-year-old Trump voter from Westfield, echoed this sentiment, stating, “I can’t overemphasize the importance of this election. I think it’s important Trump went all-in on Wisconsin.”
Democrats and Republicans Pour Money into the Race
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race has become a magnet for outside spending, with billionaire donors on both sides of the aisle pouring millions of dollars into the contest. Republican groups, led by Elon Musk, have invested heavily to avoid another liberal victory after the 2023 race, in which the liberal candidate won by 11 points. Musk, a top adviser to Trump and CEO of Tesla, has been a key player in financing Schimel’s campaign, while Democratic-backed candidates have received support from figures such as philanthropist George Soros and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.
The influx of money has made this race the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history, with spending surpassing $11 million. The financial investment reflects the high stakes of the race, which could have far-reaching implications for issues like abortion, union rights, and voting rules. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee in the last election, planned to host an anti-Musk town hall in Wisconsin on Tuesday night to encourage early voting for Crawford. Meanwhile, former Democratic Attorney General Eric Holder campaigned for Crawford in Milwaukee on Tuesday, underscoring the national attention the race has received.
The Broader Implications of the Election
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race has taken on national significance, with both parties recognizing its potential to shape the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election. For Republicans, a victory for Brad Schimel would not only secure conservative control of the court but also send a powerful signal about the enduring influence of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. For Democrats, a win for Susan Crawford would be a much-needed morale boost after a series of setbacks in recent elections and a reaffirmation of liberal values in a key battleground state.
The race is also being closely watched as a bellwether for how swing-state voters are responding to the first months of Trump’s presidency. Wisconsin, with its history of razor-thin elections, is widely regarded as a microcosm of the nation’s political divide. The outcome of the Supreme Court race could provide valuable insights into the direction of American politics in the coming years, making it a contest that resonates far beyond Wisconsin’s borders.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Wisconsin and the Nation
As early voting begins in Wisconsin, the stakes of the Supreme Court race could not be clearer. For Republicans, a victory for Brad Schimel represents a vital step in preserving conservative control of the judiciary and advancing the Trump agenda. For Democrats, a win for Susan Crawford would mark a significant turning point in their efforts to counteract Republican influence in the state. The race has drawn in some of the biggest names in politics, from Elon Musk to George Soros, and has become the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, both sides are pulling out all the stops to mobilize their bases. Donald Trump Jr.’s presence at the rally in Oconomowoc serve
