Musk Gives $1M Checks Ahead of Wisconsin Election/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Elon Musk handed out two $1 million checks to Wisconsin voters just days before a pivotal state Supreme Court election. The move, which drew legal challenges from Democrats, was allowed to proceed after the Wisconsin Supreme Court declined to intervene. Musk says the outcome of the race is critical to advancing Trump’s agenda and safeguarding U.S. democracy.
Musk Gives $1M Checks Before Wisconsin Court Vote – Quick Look
- What Happened: Elon Musk gave $1 million each to two Wisconsin voters at a campaign rally for conservative candidate Brad Schimel.
- Why It Matters: The Wisconsin Supreme Court race could shift the court’s ideological balance and impact major rulings on redistricting, abortion, and voting laws.
- Legal Fight: Democrats tried to block the giveaway, arguing it violated election laws, but the liberal-majority court declined to hear the case.
- Musk’s Argument: His attorneys say the payments support free speech and grassroots organizing, not any particular candidate.
- Record Spending: More than $81 million has already been spent, making this the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history.
Deep Look: Elon Musk Hands Out $1M Checks Amid High-Stakes Wisconsin Court Race
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Tech mogul Elon Musk handed out $1 million checks to two Wisconsin voters on Sunday, drawing national attention — and legal challenges — just two days before a pivotal election that could reshape the state’s Supreme Court and influence national politics for years.
Wearing a yellow cheesehead hat, Musk addressed an energized crowd of 2,000 people in Green Bay, calling the election “critical for the future of civilization.”
A Political Power Play
Musk’s political action committee, America PAC, has spent more than $20 million to support conservative Brad Schimel, who is running against liberal Susan Crawford for an open seat on the court. Control of the court currently leans 4-3 liberal, but the outcome of Tuesday’s race could flip that balance.
“I’m not phoning it in. I’m here in person,” Musk told supporters. “This court could be the one that decides redistricting, abortion, and even which party controls the House of Representatives.”
Musk claimed that Democrats are poised to gerrymander Wisconsin’s districts if they gain court control — “depriving Republicans of two House seats” — and warned that efforts to block Trump’s reform agenda could follow.
Legal Challenge Fails in State Supreme Court
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, tried to stop the giveaways, arguing they violated state laws banning the exchange of anything of value in return for votes.
But on Sunday, just minutes before Musk’s rally, the Wisconsin Supreme Court declined to hear the case as an original action, effectively allowing the handouts to proceed. The court gave no explanation for its decision, and Kaul’s office did not immediately respond to the ruling.
Musk’s lawyers countered that the payments are a form of constitutionally protected political speech. “These are not bribes to vote,” they argued, “but incentives to fuel a grassroots movement opposing activist judges.”
$2 Million in Cash, A Massive Symbol
Musk’s symbolic — and literal — investment capped off a weekend of high drama in Wisconsin politics. The $1 million recipients were made “spokespeople” for America PAC, part of a broader effort to turn out conservative voters and spotlight judicial activism.
The tactic mirrors one used by Musk’s PAC during the 2024 presidential election, when the group paid voters who signed First and Second Amendment petitions. Courts in Pennsylvania and elsewhere let that strategy stand, calling it not illegal under lottery or election law.
Calls for Recusal, Ethics in Focus
Musk’s attorneys also filed last-minute motions asking for the recusal of Justices Jill Karofsky and Rebecca Dallet, citing their public support for Crawford. Both denied the request and will explain their reasoning in a future opinion.
Meanwhile, conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley has endorsed Schimel, underscoring the high political stakes of the race.
Schimel himself appeared on Fox News Sunday wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat and sought to distance himself from Musk’s cash splash.
“I don’t control any outside group, whether it’s Elon Musk or anyone else,” Schimel said. “What I’ve promised is to follow the law, and that’s exactly what I’ll do.”
A Record-Shattering Judicial Race
This campaign has already shattered spending records. According to watchdogs, more than $81 million has poured into the race — a new high for any state-level judicial contest in U.S. history.
Liberal megadonors George Soros and Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois have backed Crawford, while Musk has become the dominant figure on the conservative side, directing campaign strategy, organizing door-to-door efforts, and personally delivering financial incentives to voters.
Musk-linked America PAC has also spent millions on canvassing, ads, mailers, and digital outreach, targeting swing voters across key Wisconsin counties.
What’s at Stake?
Beyond the immediate court vacancy, the winner could help decide:
- Abortion rights in the state
- Congressional redistricting post-2024
- Union powers and collective bargaining rights
- Voting rules and access ahead of the 2026 and 2028 elections
“This race isn’t just about a single judge,” Musk said. “It’s about who gets to shape the laws and liberties of this country.”
You must Register or Login to post a comment.