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Buying Time 2025 – Wisconsin

This page features Wisconsin Supreme Court election spending data and television advertisements from the 2025 election cycle. 

Last Updated: April 4, 2025
Published: January 23, 2025

On April 1, 2025, Wisconsin held a nonpartisan election for a 10-year term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The candidates competed to fill the seat of incumbent Justice Ann Walsh Bradley who is retiring. The primary election was canceled given that only two candidates filed to run. Dane County Circuit Court judge Susan Crawford, who was been endorsed by the Wisconsin Democratic Party, defeated Waukesha County Circuit Court judge Brad Schimel, who previously served as attorney general, a position he ran for as Republican.

*Spending totals come from two sources – public disclosures filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission, and TV spending estimates provided by Vivvix/CMAG. Candidate totals reflect the amount of money candidates report raising because they are required to report this more frequently than expenditures. To determine a group’s spending, we rely on public disclosures except when there are no relevant public disclosures on file or when spending estimates provided by Vivvix/CMAG surpass the amounts listed in public disclosures.

Advertisements (provided by Vivvix/CMAG)

March 29 – WI Schimel Trump Endorsement

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “If we elect Susan Crawford to the Supreme Court, none of the good that he’s (Trump) trying to do nationally will trickle down to Wisconsin.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $18,920


March 29 – WI Schimel Frontline Prosecutor

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In this ad, Brad Schimel says: “When you walk out of the court room after a guilty verdict, they had the community say we believe you and you deserve justice.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $17,770


March 28 – WI Schimel Activist Judge 15

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Susan Crawford is an activist judge – she does not want to require an ID to vote and does not want to protect our kids or communities.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $31,070


March 27 – WI Crawford Jeffery Colvin

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Schimel gave Colvin just two years in jail and one year after his release, he attacked another woman.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $38,860


March 27 – WI Schimel Trump Endorsement 15

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Trump has endorsed Brad Schimel in the race for Wisconsin Supreme Court – Trump called the election very important.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $31,080


March 26 – WI Schimel Breaking News

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “If we elect Susan Crawford to the Supreme Court, none of the good he’s (Trump) is trying to do will trickle down to Wisconsin.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $80,020


March 26 – WI Schimel Front Line Prosecutor

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In this ad, Brad Schimel says: “25 years as a front line prosecutor, I go to work and see some of the worst things that people do to each other.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $17,770


March 25 – WI Fair Courts America Fighting Back

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “We don’t need another liberal judge we need Brad Schimel.”

Sponsor: Fair Courts America

Estimated Spending: $76,730


March 25 – WI Crawford Tough Times End Card

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In this ad, Susan Crawford says: “Along the way I learned a lot about hard work, common sense and most of all, what it means to look out for people.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $128,530


March 25 – WI A Better WI Elon Musk

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Musk is spending millions to elect Schimel and Schimel could open the doors to Musk’s radical plan.”

Sponsor: A Better Wisconsin Together Political Fund

Estimated Spending: $80,330


March 25 – WI A Better WI Too Extreme

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Judges should keep our neighborhood safe – but Judge Brad Schimel let child sex predators off easy.” 

Sponsor: A Better Wisconsin Together Political Fund

Estimated Spending: $36,220


March 25 – WI Crawford Protect Kids

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “When this man was caught with child porn, Schimel gave him a plea deal after the man’s lawyer gave Schimel $5,000.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $163,590


March 25 – WI Crawford Special Needs

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In this ad, Susan Crawford says: “Protecting people started early for me and it’s what I’ve been doing my whole life.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $290


March 25 – WI Crawford Ban Abortion 15

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Brad Schimel would ban abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest or the mother’s health.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $65,830


March 22 – WI Crawford & WIDP Knee Pad Brad

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In this ad, a voiceover says, “Schimel begged and Musk unloaded $10 million to rig the court.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford & The Democratic Party of Wisconsin

Estimated Spending: $22,010


March 22 – WI Crawford Lying

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Unlike Schimel, she’s (Susan Crawford) has always protected our kids at school and everywhere else.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $442,620


March 21 – WI Schimel Radical Agenda

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Giving puberty blocking drugs to children without parents’ consent? That’s who Susan Crawford sides with.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $455,500


March 19 – WI Crawford Protecting People

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In this ad, Susan Crawford says: “Protecting people started early for me and it’s what I’ve been doing my whole life.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $146,490


March 19 – WI WMCIMC Curtis O’Brien

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “O’Brien faced sixty years in prison, Judge Susan Crawford sentenced him to four.”

Sponsor: WMC Issues Mobilization Council

Estimated Spending: $199,820


March 19 – WI Fair Courts America The Spin

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Susan Crawford is not being honest – independent sources say she’s being loose with her facts.”

Sponsor: Fair Courts America

Estimated Spending: $440,110


March 18 – WI Crawford Tough Times

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In this ad, Susan Crawford says: “Along the way, I learned a lot about hard work, common sense, and most of all what it means to look out for people.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $565,360


March 18 – WI Crawford Mike Walter

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In this ad, Mike Walter says: “When you’re a cop, keeping people safe is the job. Brad Schimel makes that job harder by letting criminals off easy.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $434,750


March 18 – WI Crawford Corrupt

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Now Elon Musk is trying to buy Schimel a seat on the Supreme Court because he knows Schimel always helps his big campaign donors.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $997,190


March 18 – WI Crawford A Lot of Talk

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Brad Schimel wants to make sure women don’t have the right to make their own healthcare decisions.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $450,370


March 15 – WI Building Americas Future Record

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Susan Crawford is putting criminals over your kids.”

Sponsor: Building America’s Future

Estimated Spending: $907,370


March 15 – WI Schimel Teri Jendusa Nicolai

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In this ad, Teri Jendusa-Nicolai says: “I know Brad the person and I know how passionate he is about helping people – women, sexual assault victims, children.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $1,024,720


March 14 – WI Crawford False Ads Healthcare

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In this ad, Susan Crawford says: “I believe in protecting your family and your right to privacy and that women have the right to make their own decisions about their healthcare.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $51,270


March 14 – WI Everytown Most Extreme

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Schimel even opposes background checks that keep guns away from violent criminals and keep cops safe on our street.”

Sponsor: Everytown For Gun Safety Action Fund

Estimated Spending: $87,720


March 13 – WI Crawford Right vs Wrong

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In this ad, Susan Crawford says: “Behind this bench, I don’t care about left versus right, I care about right versus wrong.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $148,300


March 12 – WI Crawford Serial Rapist

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “A sex predator commits more violent crimes and his survivors wait years for justice – all because of Brad Schimel.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $153,530


March 8 – WI Schimel Laurie

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In this ad, Laurie says: “When my sister was murdered fifteen years ago, Brad Schimel kept his promise to us – he told us he was going to get us justice and he did.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $663,090


March 7 – WI Crawford One Time Thing

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “That was just one time Brad Schimel let a sex predator loose on our kids.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $1,104,340


March 6 – WI Building Americas Future Curtis O’Brien

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Judge Susan Crawford could have given him (Curtis O’Brien) sixty years in prison but she let him walk two years in prison – that’s it.”

Sponsor: Building America’s Future

Estimated Spending: $1,188,610


March 6 – WI WMCIMC David Zoerner

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In this ad, Sheriff David Zoerner says: “We can’t keep you safe when liberal judges refuse to actually punish violent criminals.”

Sponsor: WMC Issues Mobilization Council

Estimated Spending: $603,470


March 6 – WI Schimel Worst Nightmare

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “It’s terrifying that Susan Crawford would consider a four year sentence appropriate for raping a child.” 

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $606,580


March 6 – WI WMCIMC Todd Skarban

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In this ad, Sheriff Todd Skarban says: “Wisconsin law enforcement works extremely hard to keep you safe. So, when liberal judges like Susan Crawford refuse to actually punish violent criminals it undermines our entire system.”

Sponsor: WMC Issues Mobilization Council

Estimated Spending: $588,150


March 4 – WI Crawford Trusts Women

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In this ad, a woman says: “Susan Crawford is the common sense judge who will protect our rights and Brad Schimel is the extremist who will take them away.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $711,440


March 4 – WI A Better WI 1849 Abortion Ban

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In this ad, a female voiceover says: “Schimel says we have no right to an abortion and supported overturning Roe v. Wade.” 

Sponsor: A Better Wisconsin Together Political Fund

Estimated Spending: $668,700


February 28 – WI Schimel Andrea

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In this ad, Andrea says: “I know Brad Schimel and he has always focused on getting justice for victims of sexual assault.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $606,010


February 28 – WI Crawford False Ads

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In this ad, Susan Crawford says: “Right now, there’s a lot of false ads trying to tell you who I am – so I thought I’d tell you myself.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $735,380


February 28 – WI Crawford Chris M

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In this ad, Chris says: “She (Crawford) prosecuted health care fraud and she’ll stand up to the big insurance companies that try and rip you off – not help them do it.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $210,540


February 28 – WI Crawford Jim B

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In this ad, Jim says: “He (Schimel) blamed an underage girl for being sexually assaulted – that’s disgusting and too extreme for the Supreme Court.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $416,730


February 25 – WI RSLC & Judicial Fairness President Trump

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Susan Crawford would guarantee a far left majority on Wisconsin’s highest court to defend democratic priorities, to protect sanctuary cities, stop deportations of illegal immigrants and let criminals roam free.”

Sponsor: Republican State Leadership Committee and Judicial Fairness

Estimated Spending: $9,010


February 25 – WI Fair Courts America Curtis O’Brien

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “A five year old girl violated – the predator faced up to sixty years behind bars and radical Susan Crawford sided with him.”

Sponsor: Fair Courts America

Estimated Spending: $1,616,030


February 23 – WI Schimel Pattern 15

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “For Susan Crawford it’s a pattern – putting pedophiles back on the street free to prowl our pools and prey on our kids.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $1,660


February 22 – WI Schimel Public Pool 15

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Susan Crawford, the radical liberal judge who let the predator out in just four years.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $1,310


February 21 – WI Crawford Two Kinds

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In this ad, a police officer says: “Susan Crawford made sure rapists, murderers and abusers were behind bars so victims could get justice.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $582,420


February 20 – WI WMCIMC Catch and Release

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Catch and release Crawford lets criminals off easy all the time. No one is safe with dangerous liberal judges like catch and release Crawford.”

Sponsor: WMC Issues Mobilization Council

Estimated Spending: $943,770


February 20 – WI Building Americas Future Dangerous Decisions

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “The monster faces 100 years in prison but Judge Susan Crawford let him off with just four – that was Crawford’s choice.”

Sponsor: Building America’s Future

Estimated Spending: $1,744,420


February 19 – WI Schimel Public Pool

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Criminals are praying Susan Crawford gets elected because she fights for them not us.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $521,370


February 18 – WI Crawford Two Years 15

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Over two years, Brad Schimel tested only nine rape kits out of 6,000 that needed testing.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $57,950


February 14 – WI Crawford 1849 15

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Brad Schimel wants to take us back to an abortion ban from 1849.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $286,330


February 14 – WI Crawford Hal J

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In this ad, Hal J says: “I have kids and I can’t believe all a sex predator had to do to get a plea deal was give Brad Schimel’s campaign $5,000.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $600,830


February 14 – WI Crawford Lying to You 15

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Brad Schimel is lying to you about abortion. Behind closed doors he says he’ll ban it.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $135,310


February 14 – WI Crawford Laurel

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In this ad, a woman says: “The 1849 law that Brad Schimel supports almost killed me.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $902,460


February 12 – WI Schimel Mackenzie & Haley

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In this ad, Brad Schimel says: “The people of Wisconsin through referendum or their elected representatives should decide the question of abortion.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $391,390


February 12 – WI Schimel Dale Schmidt 15

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In this ad, a sheriff says: “I was there when Brad Schimel initiated the sexual assault kit initiative, pushing hard to make sure that victims of sexual assault were able to see their offenders convicted.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $215,560


February 11 – WI Schimel This Street

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In this ad, the voiceover says: “The new neighbor is a pedophile who repeatedly raped a little girl released after just two years in prison thanks to Judge Susan Crawford sweetheart sentence”.

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $591,340


February 7 – WI Crawford Untested 15

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In the ad, the voiceover says: “Take it from a sheriff, Brad Schimel is too extreme for the Supreme Court.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $468,250


February 7 – WI Crawford Nine 15

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In this ad, the voiceover says: “Over two years, Brad Schimel tested only nine rape kits out of 6,000 that needed testing while rapists walked free and victims waited for justice.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $299,350


February 6  - WI Crawford A Lie B Roll

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In this ad, the voiceover says: “That’s Brad Schimel. Too extreme for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $319,210


February 6 – WI Crawford A Lie

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In this ad, the voiceover says: “Schimel let domestic abusers walk with no jail time and he’s so corrupt he gave a plea deal to a man caught with thousands of files of child pornography.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $124,680


February 4 – WI Schimel Injustice To Us All

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In this ad, the voiceover says: “Be traumatized by Crawford’s disregard for justice, her criminal coddling record is an injustice to us all.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $489,940


January 21 – WI Crawford Common Sense

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In this ad, Judge Crawford says: “For me, being a judge is really pretty simple. There is right and there’s wrong and I’ll always do the right thing for Wisconsin.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $293,260


January 21 – WI Crawford Common Sense B Roll

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In this ad, a voiceover says: "On the Supreme Court, she’ll look at the facts and uphold the law – fair, impartial, common sense. 

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $236,850


January 21 – WI Crawford Untested

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Brad Schimel – he let 6,000 rape kits sit untested for two years while survivors waited for justice.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $205,450


January 21 – WI Crawford 1849 Law

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In this ad, a voiceover says: “Brad Schimel – he wants to bring back the 1849 law that bans all abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest.”

Sponsor: Susan Crawford

Estimated Spending: $340,110


January 17 – WI Schimel Job Title

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In this ad, Judge Schimel says: “Your job title shouldn’t define you but in the job I’m running for it should. I’m Brad Schimel and justice is my life’s work.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $461,950


January 14 – WI Schimel Justice for Victims

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In this ad, Judge Schimel says: “Law school taught me the rights of the accused but justice for the abused is denied all too often.”

Sponsor: Brad Schimel

Estimated Spending: $673,510