The year's first major political test in Wisconsin becomes a referendum on Elon Musk

The April 1 election is the first major political test in American politics since Trump secured a second term in November .

It will serve as a crucial barometer of enthusiasm in both parties heading into next year's midterm elections and is happening in a critical battleground state that Trump won by less than a percentage point.

The Tesla CEO's nascent political operation, which spent more than $200 million to help Trump win in November , is canvassing and advertising in Wisconsin on behalf of the conservative candidate.

Musk, who is the race's biggest donor by far, has also inserted himself into the race, holding a get-out-the-vote event on his X platform Saturday .

The race is the most expensive judicial election in the nation’s history, breaking the record set by another Wisconsin Supreme Court race two years ago .

Two groups funded by Musk have so far spent more than $14 million on the race, according to a tally by the liberal Brennan Center for Justice .

Musk donated another $2 million to the Wisconsin Republican Party on Thursday .

Democrats and Crawford have noted that, just days before Musk ’s groups started spending on the race, Musk ’s electric car company Tesla sued Wisconsin over a rule banning car manufacturers from operating dealerships — forcing buyers to purchase Teslas out of state. The case could ultimately go before the Wisconsin Supreme Court . ___ Associated Press writer Scott Bauer contributed to this report..