In a striking move aimed at bolstering his preferred outcomes in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk distributed $1 million cheques to voters. This event unfolded just days before a pivotal election on Tuesday that could shift the court's balance. Musk's actions drew scrutiny as they clashed with Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul's efforts to halt the giveaway, citing a state law that prohibits gifts in exchange for votes.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court, however, chose not to intervene, putting Musk's plan into motion. The upcoming election has become historic, characterized as the most expensive judicial contest in U.S. history, costing approximately $81 million. Musk's controversial rally speech emphasized his desire for impartial judges, echoing concerns about "activist" judges influencing decisions.
In addressing the legality of his cheque distribution, Musk's attorneys argued that Kaul's actions infringe upon his First Amendment rights, framing the payments as efforts to galvanize public support rather than buying votes. Despite two lower courts siding with Musk, Kaul's last-minute appeal was unanimously rejected by the state's highest court.
The stakes of the election are high, with impacts on vital issues including abortion rights and congressional redistricting, which may influence the 2026 midterm elections. Musk has thrown his financial support behind conservative candidate Brad Schimel while simultaneously facing criticism for trying to sway electoral outcomes.
As the election nears, Judge Schimel has distanced himself from Musk, suggesting uncertainty about his involvement in the widely observed cheque giveaway. This isn't Musk's first venture into vote incentives; he previously offered similar financial rewards in various battleground states last year, which were deemed legally permissible by a Pennsylvania judge.
With the election landscape radically shifting, observers are left to ponder the implications of Musk's actions on democratic ideals and the relationship between wealth and political power in modern America.
