Northwoods Reporter

Matthew Rust, chairman of the St. Croix County Republicans, said he is endorsing Brad Schimel for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Rust said that Schimel is the "clear choice" due to his emphasis on judicial integrity and adherence to the rule of law, contrasting this with Susan Crawford's alleged partisan agenda. Rust made these remarks to Northwoods Reporter on March 19.

"Brad Schimel is the clear choice for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, standing firmly for judicial integrity and the will of the people," said Rust. "Unlike Susan Crawford, who is backed by liberal elites like George Soros and JB Pritzker, Schimel refuses to be influenced by partisan donors pushing a radical agenda. While Crawford avoids taking clear positions and aligns with activists who want to reshape Wisconsin's laws from the bench, Schimel prioritizes fairness, justice, and the rule of law. Voters who want an impartial judge, not a political puppet, should support Schimel to protect conservative voices and judicial integrity."

According to The Associated Press, a debate held on March 12 for the Wisconsin Supreme Court race centered around contentious issues such as abortion, campaign donations, and redistricting. The debate featured Republican-backed Judge Brad Schimel and Democratic-backed Judge Susan Crawford. A significant point of contention was Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban, currently under court review. Schimel argued that voters should determine abortion laws, while Crawford criticized his stance, aligning herself with Planned Parenthood. The debate also highlighted concerns over substantial donations to Crawford from figures like George Soros and JB Pritzker. Additionally, Crawford's participation in a donor briefing related to pro-Democrat redistricting raised questions about her impartiality according to Schimel.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Susan Crawford claimed on January 18 to be the only impartial candidate in the race against Brad Schimel. However, it was revealed that she attended a donor briefing organized by Focus for Democracy alongside state Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler. This event aimed at mobilizing donations and discussed strategies for flipping traditionally conservative congressional seats in Wisconsin. Shortly after her claim of impartiality, Crawford's campaign received $1 million from the state Democratic Party.

The New York Times covered Susan Crawford’s efforts regarding changes to Wisconsin’s congressional maps in exchange for financial backing. An email invitation sent to Democratic donors suggested targeting two Republican-held House seats in Wisconsin for the 2026 elections. The event was partially organized by aides to Reid Hoffman, a billionaire supporter of Wisconsin Democrats. Former Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, is expected to visit Wisconsin to support Crawford’s campaign.

AP News reported in 2023 that former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel announced his candidacy for the Wisconsin Supreme Court with an aim to restore a conservative majority by 2025. In November 2023, Schimel expressed concern over what he described as an unchecked liberal majority in the Supreme Court and emphasized winning back control in 2025 as essential.

Matthew Rust serves as Chairman of the Republican Party of St. Croix County since his election in 2023. According to their website, Rust focuses on increasing Republican voter turnout, expanding party membership, and communicating key issues important to St. Croix County voters.