In a strategic and controversial move, a group funded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk is enticing Wisconsin voters with a $100 incentive to sign a petition against what it calls “activist judges.” This occurs just two weeks before the crucial Wisconsin Supreme Court election, following a similar initiative during the last year’s election in key battleground states.
America PAC, a political action committee linked to Musk, unveiled this petition initiative via a social media post, promising $100 incentives for each Wisconsin voter who signs up and a further $100 for any referrals made. The timing is critical as it arrives shortly after early voting began in a tight electoral race between Susan Crawford, a Democratic-supported candidate, and Brad Schimel, who is backed by Republicans and favored by Musk.
The election results will importantly decide if the state Supreme Court continues under liberal influence or changes to a conservative majority. This balance of power holds significant implications for key issues such as abortion rights, public sector unions, voting regulations, and congressional district configurations.
Previously, Musk’s PAC employed a similar strategy during the last presidential election, proposing payments to voters in Wisconsin and several other battleground states to endorse petitions safeguarding the First and Second Amendments. Legal action followed in Pennsylvania, where the district attorney sought to block these payments, although a judge ultimately ruled that the initiative could proceed through Election Day.
Funding from America PAC and Building for America’s Future, two organizations supported by Musk, has reached over $13 million in efforts to support Schimel’s campaign, recording by the Brennan Center for Justice. This substantial financial push underscores the high stakes of this judicial contest.
There is growing concern among Crawford’s supporters that Musk is attempting to exert undue influence over the court’s potential decisions, particularly regarding his company Tesla’s ongoing lawsuit against Wisconsin. Musk has taken legal action following the state’s refusal to allow Tesla to establish dealerships, a case that might eventually reach the court if Schimel were elected.
On social media, Musk has strongly advocated for a Republican win in the Wisconsin Supreme Court, citing an alleged risk of voter fraud. Andrew Romeo, a representative of America PAC, highlighted their prior announcement about the petition as their current statement. Meanwhile, Schimel’s camp has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Crawford’s campaign and the Wisconsin Democratic Party are actively working to associate Schimel with Musk, alleging efforts to “purchase” the judicial seat. A recent advertisement from the party echoed these accusations, linking Schimel directly to Musk’s ambitious maneuvering. Schimel’s campaign has seen active involvement from Donald Trump Jr., stressing the importance of a Schimel victory for preserving the former president’s policies.
Parallelly, Musk’s other organization, Building America’s Future, has articulated a clear strategy to defeat Crawford by promoting Schimel as a staunchly pro-Trump conservative. Their new petition insists that judges should interpret rather than legislate, a concept aligned with accusations against “activist” judges allegedly undermining Trump’s administration.
The ongoing discourse reflects a larger narrative of alleged bias and activism within the judiciary, tethered to Trump’s broader agenda and Musk’s ambitions, particularly concerning governmental efficiency and bureaucratic reduction.