A billionaire-backed organization, tied to Elon Musk, has initiated a campaign offering financial incentives to Wisconsin residents in exchange for their participation in a petition opposing "activist judges." This move coincides with the state's upcoming Supreme Court election and mirrors strategies employed by Musk’s political action committee (PAC) in previous battleground states. The initiative, announced on X by America PAC, promises $100 to each voter who signs the petition and an additional $100 for every new signer they refer. The Democratic candidate Susan Crawford criticized this approach, accusing Musk of attempting to purchase votes before the April 1 election. The contest between Crawford and Brad Schimel, favored by Musk and Republicans, will decide whether the court remains under liberal control or shifts to conservative leadership.
In recent developments, Musk’s groups have utilized similar tactics, such as offering monetary rewards to voters supporting specific amendments prior to major elections. Philadelphia's district attorney previously attempted to halt these payments under Pennsylvania law but was unsuccessful due to insufficient evidence demonstrating an illegal lottery. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, Musk’s organizations, America PAC and Building for America’s Future, have invested over $13 million to support Schimel's candidacy. This investment underscores the significance of the election, which could influence critical decisions regarding abortion, public sector unions, voting regulations, and congressional boundaries.
Critics argue that Musk’s involvement aims to secure favorable rulings for his companies’ legal disputes with the state. Just days before Musk’s groups began funding the Supreme Court race, Tesla filed a lawsuit against Wisconsin challenging its decision not to permit the opening of Tesla dealerships. Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, voiced support for Republican candidates in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election through posts on X, emphasizing concerns about voting fraud prevention.
Andrew Romeo, spokesperson for America PAC, referenced the X announcement when queried about the matter, while Schimel’s campaign did not immediately respond to inquiries. Crawford and her supporters have highlighted the connection between Schimel and Musk as a central aspect of their campaign strategy. A recent advertisement from the Wisconsin Democratic Party accused Musk of attempting to buy the seat for Schimel, a close ally of former President Donald Trump. Schimel recently campaigned alongside Donald Trump Jr., who emphasized the importance of electing Schimel to safeguard Trump’s legislative agenda.
Musk’s other entity, Building America’s Future, outlined in a memo the necessity of portraying Schimel as a pro-Trump conservative to defeat Crawford. The petition itself aligns with Trump’s stance criticizing "activist" judges for allegedly imposing personal views rather than interpreting laws impartially. While designed to gather data and mobilize Wisconsin voters, the petition also resonates with broader themes within Trump’s administration, particularly concerning lawsuits involving federal bureaucracy downsizing initiatives led by Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
The unfolding events surrounding this election highlight the intersection of corporate interests, political endorsements, and judicial appointments. As both sides intensify their efforts, the outcome will likely shape significant policy directions in Wisconsin and beyond. The controversy surrounding Musk’s financial incentives adds another layer to the already complex dynamics influencing the state’s judicial future.