Legal Challenge Against Musk’s Voter Giveaway in Wisconsin
On Sunday, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul requested the state’s liberal-controlled Supreme Court to halt billionaire Elon Musk’s planned $1 million giveaway to two voters. This legal move came shortly before Musk was expected to announce the giveaway during an evening rally.
Previous Rulings and Legal Arguments
Two lower courts had previously dismissed Kaul’s challenge, which contends that Musk’s actions contravene a state law that forbids offering anything of value in exchange for votes. “Wisconsin law prohibits offering anything of value to induce anyone to vote,” Kaul asserted in his filing, emphasizing that Musk’s offer clearly violates this statute.
The Context of the Supreme Court Election
The upcoming Supreme Court election in Wisconsin is crucial, as the control of the court is at stake. With more than $81 million spent, this contest has become the most expensive judicial election in American history. Currently, the court is comprised of a 4-3 liberal majority, but five justices have publicly endorsed candidates in the race, which may complicate their ability to adjudicate the lawsuit against Musk.
Candidates’ Positions and Campaign Dynamics
Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, endorsed by the court’s liberal justices, is running against Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel, who has received support from President Trump and Musk. Schimel, who appeared at a campaign event wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, stated, “That’s exactly what I’ve committed to anybody, whether it’s President Trump, Elon Musk or any donors.” However, Schimel has not confirmed whether he will attend Musk’s rally.
Musk’s Previous Endeavors
Elon Musk’s political action committee had previously attempted a similar tactic during the last presidential election. They offered payments of $1 million per day to voters in several battleground states who signed a petition supporting specific constitutional amendments. During that period, a Pennsylvania judge allowed the initiative to continue, ruling that the prosecution failed to prove it constituted an illegal lottery.
Details of the Giveaway
In a post on his social media platform, Musk originally stated he would “personally hand over” $2 million to two voters who had already cast their ballots. However, he later clarified that this money was intended for those acting as “spokesmen” for an online petition opposing what he described as “activist” judges. Initially, the event was limited to voters in the Supreme Court race, but attendance was eventually opened to anyone who signed the petition.
Impact on Judicial Decisions
The significance of this judicial election is heightened by the court’s impending rulings on key issues, including abortion rights, congressional redistricting, and voting regulations, all of which could influence outcomes in the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential election.
Related Elections in Florida
In addition to the Supreme Court election in Wisconsin, congressional elections are also occurring on Tuesday in Florida’s 6th and 1st Districts, which have seen significant fundraising activity and have historically leaned Republican.