Liberal judge recruits sanctuary sheriffs who defied ICE for ad touting crime record in pivotal race

The Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Heats Up: A Clash of Visions

The Wisconsin Supreme Court race has become a high-stakes battle, with Democratic candidate Susan Crawford and Republican candidate Brad Schimel vying for a 10-year term. The race is not just about who will replace retiring Justice Ann Walsh Bradley but also about the future ideological direction of the court. Crawford, a circuit court judge backed by the Wisconsin Democratic Party, is facing off against Schimel, a former state attorney general and current Waukesha County judge. The outcome of this election could cement a liberal majority on the court or shift it toward a conservative-leaning bench, depending on who wins.

A Sheriff’s Endorsement and Controversy Over Immigration Policies

In a recent campaign ad, Crawford has sought to position herself as a tough-on-crime candidate while painting Schimel as "too extreme." The ad features Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, who criticizes Schimel for letting "rapists walk free," referring to a backlog of unprocessed rape kits—a claim Schimel has denied. However, Barrett himself has faced criticism for his policies, particularly his approach to immigration enforcement. Barrett has been a vocal supporter of sanctuary policies, and his office has a history of refusing to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Earlier this year, Barrett withdrew Wisconsin from the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP), a move praised by the ACLU but criticized by immigration reform advocates.

Barrett has also pledged that his department will not proactively engage in immigration enforcement or round-ups, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from law enforcement officials and immigration experts. "Sanctuary policies undermine both the rule of law and the safety of American communities," said Matt O’Brien, director of investigations at the Immigration Reform Law Institute. He argued that sanctuary jurisdictions like Dane County shield criminals from federal authorities, creating havens for illegal activity.

Political Endorsements and Funding: Soros and GOP Backing

The race has also drawn attention for the significant political backing each candidate has received. Crawford has been endorsed by the Wisconsin Democratic Party, which received a $1 million donation from George Soros in January. Soros’s funding has become a talking point for Schimel’s campaign, which has accused Crawford of promoting a "Soros-backed agenda." Schimel, on the other hand, has the support of the Wisconsin GOP, as well as prominent Republican donors, including Chicago Cubs co-owner Joe Ricketts and Elon Musk’s Building America’s Future PAC.

The financial and political support underscores the high stakes of the race. Schimel’s campaign has lambasted Crawford for her ties to Soros, with spokesperson Jacob Fischer warning that a Crawford victory would mean "forcing a dangerous, Soros-backed agenda" on Wisconsin. Meanwhile, Crawford’s campaign has sought to frame Schimel as out of touch with the state’s values, painting him as an extremist.

The Battle for Wisconsin’s Political Future

The race is widely seen as a bellwether for the future of Wisconsin politics. The state’s Supreme Court currently holds a 4-3 liberal majority, but a Schimel victory could shift the court’s ideological balance. If Crawford wins, the liberal majority would likely remain in place until at least 2028. The election has drawn national attention, with both sides framing the race as a fight for the soul of Wisconsin. Republican leaders have criticized Crawford for aligning with "anti-ICE and defund-police Democrats," while Democrats have argued that Schimel’s record as attorney general and judge shows he is too extreme for the bench.

The race has also become a proxy for broader political battles. Wisconsin GOP Executive Director Andrew Iverson has accused Crawford of plotting to advance a "far-left agenda" and undermine President Trump’s "America First" policies. Schimel’s campaign, meanwhile, has positioned him as a protector of Wisconsin’s most vulnerable citizens, contrasting his record with Crawford’s alleged "coddling of criminals."

Sanctuary Cities and the Debate Over Public Safety

The involvement of Sheriff Barrett in Crawford’s campaign has reignited debates over sanctuary policies and their impact on public safety. Sanctuary jurisdictions like Dane County have faced criticism for releasing illegal immigrants suspected of crimes rather than cooperating with ICE. In 2024, two Republican congressmen demanded answers from Barrett after a suspected Venezuelan gang member, Alejandro Jose Coronel Zarate, was released on bail despite having a warrant for his arrest. The case has been cited by opponents of sanctuary policies as evidence that such practices endanger communities.

Supporters of sanctuary policies argue that they build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, making it easier to solve crimes. However, critics like O’Brien argue that these policies create a "magnet for criminal activity" by signaling that illegal immigrants can evade federal authorities. The debate over sanctuary cities has become a flashpoint in the race, with Schimel’s campaign using it to paint Crawford as soft on crime.

The Final Stretch: Candidates Make Their Case

As the April 1 election approaches, both candidates are making their final pitches to voters. Crawford is running on a platform of judicial fairness and experience, while Schimel is positioning himself as a law-and-order candidate who will restore balance to the court. The race is expected to be highly contested, with both sides investing significant resources in get-out-the-vote efforts.

In statements to the press, Schimel’s campaign has called on voters to reject Crawford’s "dangerous agenda," while Crawford’s campaign has emphasized her commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting Wisconsin families. The outcome of this race will have far-reaching implications for Wisconsin’s legal landscape and could set the tone for future elections in the state. As the candidates make their final push, the stakes could not be higher.