MADISON, Wis. — A Judge’s Ruling in the Musk-Money Saga
A Wisconsin judge made headlines on Saturday when he opted not to intervene in billionaire Elon Musk’s plan to distribute $1 million checks to two voters during a rally ahead of the highly competitive Wisconsin Supreme Court election. This decision came swiftly after the state attorney general voiced concerns that Musk’s generosity might breach state laws, prompting an immediate appeal following the judge’s refusal to grant an emergency injunction against the payments.
Political Stakes and Monetary Influence
This ruling adds another layer to Musk’s significant involvement in a race that has shattered spending records for judicial elections, transforming it into a barometer for the initial months of Donald Trump’s presidency. Both Trump and Musk are rallying behind Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel, while Democrats are firmly in the corner of Dane County Judge Susan Crawford.
The $1 Million Question: What’s at Stake?
Musk is set to host a rally on Sunday, where he aims to present $1 million each to two Wisconsin voters who sign an online petition denouncing “activist” judges. Additionally, he is incentivizing participation with $100 for anyone who joins the petition, having previously bestowed $1 million upon a Green Bay resident for doing just that.
A Battle of Big Dollars
To put it mildly, Musk and his affiliated organizations have dedicated over $20 million to this election, while Democratic mega-donors, including the well-known George Soros, are backing Crawford. The outcome of this election is pivotal, as it could shift the ideological balance of the court. Currently, liberals hold a 4-3 majority, but the retirement of a judge this year has thrown that dominance into uncertainty. The election will conclude on Tuesday.
Legal Maneuvers and Controversies
On Friday, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, initiated legal action against Musk’s America PAC, asserting that the monetary gifts violate state law prohibiting the exchange of anything of value for votes. Following the dismissal of his request by Columbia County Circuit Judge Andrew Voigt, Kaul vowed to escalate the matter to the state Court of Appeals.
A Familiar Playbook for Musk
Musk’s political action committee has previously employed a strikingly similar strategy, evident during the last presidential election when it promised $1 million daily to voters in Wisconsin and six other battleground states for signing a petition in support of the First and Second Amendments. A Pennsylvania judge ruled that prosecutors did not sufficiently prove the initiative constituted an illegal lottery, thus allowing it to continue right up to Election Day.
Implications Beyond the Election
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election is particularly consequential, as the court is poised to tackle critical issues such as abortion rights, congressional redistricting, union power, and voting regulations that could significantly impact the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election.
Musk’s Promises and Legal Shadows
Initially, Musk expressed his intention on social media platform X to “personally hand over” $2 million to two voters who had already cast their ballots. In response, Kaul sought a court order to prevent Musk from promoting the upcoming giveaway and from making any future payments to Wisconsin voters.
What Happens Next?
Although Musk deleted his initial post, Kaul noted that no formal announcement has been made regarding the cancellation of the payments. This oversight adds yet another twist to an already convoluted legal and political narrative.
