Elon Musk is back on the campaign trail, this time making a bold move in Wisconsin ahead of the state’s crucial Supreme Court race. The tech billionaire is offering $1 million each to two individuals in the state who sign a petition opposing what he calls “activist judges.”
This announcement, made on Thursday night, coincides with Musk’s active campaigning for conservative candidate Brad Schimel. Schimel is running against liberal Judge Susan Crawford for a seat on Wisconsin’s Supreme Court, with the election taking place on April 1.
Musk’s support for Schimel is strategic. The outcome of this race could significantly affect the ideological balance of the court, influencing decisions on hot-button issues like abortion, voter ID laws, union reforms, and congressional redistricting.
Musk is not just making a financial offer but also connecting his $2 million gift to voter engagement, specifically targeting those who support his stance on judicial reform.
In a post on X, Musk explained that he would speak in Wisconsin on Sunday night, but attendance would be restricted to those who had voted in the Supreme Court election.
He added that he would personally present two $1 million checks to individuals who had signed the petition opposing activist judges. Musk stressed the importance of the election and encouraged participation, underscoring his belief that voter turnout is crucial in shaping the future of the state’s judiciary.
Musk followed up with another post on Friday, clarifying his earlier statement. He confirmed that the checks would go to two individuals who had signed the petition, which opposes activist judges, per the Daily Wire.
He also mentioned that these individuals would be spokespersons for the petition. This initiative is part of Musk’s broader political strategy, utilizing his political action committee, Musk’s America PAC, to back Schimel’s campaign.
The PAC has been heavily involved in promoting Schimel, Wisconsin’s former GOP attorney general, through millions of dollars in advertising. The ads focus on highlighting the leftist leanings of Judge Crawford, aiming to sway voters in Schimel’s favor.
In addition to the financial incentives Musk is offering, the PAC has been giving $100 to every Wisconsin voter who signs the petition opposing activist judges. To qualify, participants must provide their address and cell phone number.
Scott Ainsworth, a mechanical engineer from Green Bay, was recently named as a spokesperson for the petition and received $1 million for his role. Ainsworth has been actively promoting Schimel’s candidacy, urging fellow voters to sign the petition, vote early, and support Schimel.
His video for the PAC emphasized the importance of the MAGA movement’s involvement in the election, claiming that if enough people turned out to vote for Schimel, they would secure a win.
Musk’s efforts to influence Wisconsin elections are not new. In 2024, he made similar moves in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, offering $1 million payments to registered voters who signed petitions in support of the First and Second Amendments.
A judge had rejected a challenge to those payments, but Musk’s strategy continues to raise eyebrows.
On the opposing side, Crawford, who is supported by Wisconsin’s Democrats, has accused Schimel of being financially backed by Musk in an attempt to manipulate the election. Crawford’s spokesperson, Derrick Honeyman, condemned the payments, calling them corrupt, extreme, and disgraceful.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race has quickly become the most expensive state Supreme Court race in history. While Musk’s involvement has given Schimel a substantial financial edge, Crawford has garnered support from high-profile liberal donors, including billionaire George Soros, Reid Hoffman, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D).
The race is shaping up to be a key battleground in the ongoing fight over judicial influence in the United States.
