In a pivotal moment for Wisconsin’s political landscape, Angela Lang, executive director of Black Leaders Organizing for Communities (BLOC), is gearing up her canvassing teams as the state approaches the April 1 election to fill a Supreme Court vacancy. Lang emphasizes urgent concerns, stating,
“Fair maps, abortion, voting rights are crucial issues at stake. We cannot afford to lose this seat. If Republicans gain control of the court, it will serve as an extension of the Trump agenda, echoing the influence of figures like Elon Musk.”
Currently, the election features Susan Crawford, a liberal candidate and Dane County Circuit Court judge, against Brad Schimel, a former GOP state attorney general and current Waukesha County Circuit Court judge. This election will determine the ideological balance of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley retires, leaving a critical vacancy.
President Donald Trump’s recent endorsement of Schimel significantly raises the stakes for the election. Lang outlines how this election serves as a crucial local test, especially in light of Trump’s previous successes in Wisconsin, emphasizing the need to mobilize voters effectively.
In the 2024 election cycle, Trump increased his vote share and support within Milwaukee’s predominantly Black neighborhoods, a development Lang reflects on as a call for strategic voter turnout.
Musk has reportedly contributed nearly $7 million to conservative groups in the state, aiming to replicate the successful 2024 mobilization tactics, which emphasize digital outreach alongside traditional canvassing efforts. Despite criticisms of old-fashioned methods like door-knocking, Lang defends these approaches, believing they foster deeper connections within the community.
Democratic consultant Josh Klemons underscores the urgency of responding to Republican strategies, acknowledging the difficulties posed by limited visibility and resources in competing with a well-financed GOP communication framework. He expresses frustration with Democratic leaders for their perceived passivity as Trump rallies continued momentum.
Looking ahead, activists like Klemons and Lang are committed to making the upcoming court election a litmus test for the Democratic approach to grassroots organizing in a landscape seemingly dominated by wealth-driven influence from figures like Musk.
Kate Duffy, a mother and social activist, emphasizes the need for authentic messaging that resonates with voters’ everyday struggles, particularly focusing on economic concerns that affect families across Wisconsin. Her commitment to using social platforms for community engagement reflects a broader need for effective communication strategies.
The context of this election takes shape amid a backdrop of voter fatigue and skepticism about the political landscape’s responsiveness to everyday issues. The concerns raised by community members like Eric Jones at local barbershops reflect a pressing need for Democrats to cultivate trust and visibility among their constituents to ensure a strong turnout in the upcoming crucial Supreme Court race.