A political action committee (PAC) funded by billionaire Elon Musk, America PAC, has launched a campaign in Wisconsin offering $100 to voters who sign a petition opposing “activist judges.” The initiative, which also offers an additional $100 for referrals, comes just two weeks before a crucial state Supreme Court election.
This move mirrors a similar effort by the PAC ahead of the 2024 presidential election, where it offered monetary incentives for petition signers in key battleground states. Critics argue that the initiative is an attempt to influence the election outcome by financially motivating voter participation in a particular political direction.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Holds High Stakes for Law and Business Interests
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race between Democratic-backed Susan Crawford and Republican-favored Brad Schimel will determine the court’s ideological balance. The winner will play a decisive role in major legal battles concerning abortion rights, voting laws, and redistricting.
Crawford’s campaign has accused Musk of attempting to buy votes and manipulate the election in favor of Schimel. These allegations come amid heightened scrutiny of Musk’s political influence, particularly after his PAC spent over $13 million supporting Schimel’s campaign.
Elon Musk and Donald TrumpThe controversy surrounding Musk’s involvement intensified after Tesla, the electric car company he leads, sued Wisconsin over restrictions preventing it from opening dealerships in the state. Critics suggest Musk’s financial push in the Supreme Court race is a strategic move to secure a favorable ruling in this case, should it reach the state’s highest court.
The Crawford campaign has strongly linked Musk’s efforts to Schimel’s candidacy, arguing that electing Schimel would serve Musk’s business interests. Musk himself has publicly urged voters to support Schimel, citing concerns over election integrity and voter fraud.
Musk’s PAC Strengthens Ties with Trump, Faces Legal and Ethical Scrutiny
Musk’s America PAC and Building America’s Future group have been aligning themselves with Donald Trump’s political agenda, portraying Schimel as a pro-Trump conservative. Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., recently campaigned with Schimel, emphasizing the importance of electing conservative judges to protect Trump’s policies.
America PAC has also been distributing flyers reinforcing this message, further linking Schimel’s candidacy to broader Republican efforts to shape the judiciary in their favor. The PAC’s latest petition frames its stance as a defense against “activist judges,” a phrase frequently used by Trump and his allies to criticize courts ruling against conservative policies.
Musk’s PAC faced legal scrutiny last year when Philadelphia’s district attorney attempted to halt its payments to petition signers, arguing it constituted an illegal lottery. However, a judge ruled in favor of the PAC, allowing the initiative to continue. Similar challenges may arise in Wisconsin as critics question the ethics and legality of financially incentivizing voter participation.
Meanwhile, the state’s Democratic Party has ramped up its campaign against Musk’s influence, releasing ads accusing him of trying to buy a Supreme Court seat. With early voting already underway, the impact of Musk’s financial backing remains a contentious issue in the heated election battle.