Wisconsin’s Democratic Attorney General, Josh Kaul, has filed a lawsuit to stop billionaire Elon Musk from handing out $1 million checks to voters just days before the state’s crucial Supreme Court election. The lawsuit, filed on Friday in Dane County Circuit Court, aims to prevent Musk from making these payments, which he had announced he would distribute on Sunday.
Musk had initially stated on his social media platform, X, that he planned to “personally hand over” $2 million to two voters who had already cast their ballots in the Supreme Court race. However, after facing widespread backlash and warnings that his post could be considered a felony, he quickly deleted it. Musk also changed his statement, saying the event would be open only to those who signed the petition, not just those who voted in the race.
On the same day, Musk’s political action committee revealed that one of the recipients of the $1 million was Scott Ainsworth, a Green Bay resident who supports the Wisconsin GOP and the conservative candidate in the court race. Ainsworth has also shown support for former President Donald Trump.
Musk’s original post, which he deleted about 12 hours after sharing it, had stated, “I will also personally hand over two checks for a million dollars each in appreciation for you taking the time to vote. This is super important.”
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is highly contested and has already set records for spending in a judicial election. The outcome could shift the ideological balance of the court. The race has become a focal point for both Musk and Trump, with Trump endorsing Brad Schimel, one of the candidates, and hosting a phone event to rally support.
Schimel, a former attorney general, is running against Susan Crawford, a judge backed by liberals, including Democratic figures like former President Barack Obama. The election will determine control of the state’s high court.
Musk’s political committee confirmed that it had awarded $1 million to Ainsworth for signing the petition against activist judges. Ainsworth, who has supported Schimel, also posted a video urging people to sign the petition and vote for Schimel.
In addition to the $1 million payment, Musk promised $100 to any Wisconsin voter who signed or forwarded the petition. This has raised concerns about whether the offer violates state laws that make it illegal to offer money or incentives to influence voting behavior.
A group of bipartisan government watchdogs has asked for an investigation into the payments, claiming they may violate Wisconsin’s election bribery laws. The legal challenge could eventually reach the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Schimel was questioned about the petition on Thursday but expressed hesitation about endorsing it. When asked about the $1 million payment, Schimel said he didn’t know what criteria were used to choose the recipient.
Crawford’s campaign criticized Musk’s actions, calling them a “desperate distraction” just before the election. They argued that Wisconsin voters do not want a billionaire like Musk trying to influence their vote.
Musk’s political group had used similar tactics during the 2020 presidential election, offering money to voters who supported the First and Second Amendments. Last year, the district attorney in Philadelphia tried to stop the payments, but a judge allowed the initiative to continue.
Musk has already spent over $20 million in support of Schimel, while liberal donors like George Soros and Governor JB Pritzker have contributed to Crawford’s campaign.
The race has drawn attention not just because of its political implications but also due to Musk’s involvement, which some critics say is an attempt to influence the court, especially since Tesla has a lawsuit pending in Wisconsin that may eventually be heard by the state’s Supreme Court.
This election could impact future rulings on critical issues such as abortion rights, voting laws, and redistricting in Wisconsin, making it a key battleground state for national politics.
