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Elon Musk Intensifies Involvement in Wisconsin Supreme Court Election
Tech magnate and White House advisor Elon Musk is set to visit Wisconsin in the days leading up to the crucial state Supreme Court election. Musk has become a prominent figure in this race, injecting millions of dollars in support of the conservative candidate.
Musk Announces Wisconsin Visit and Cash Prizes
Early Friday, Musk announced on his social media platform X that he would be giving away two $1 million prizes to individuals attending his Wisconsin address. Attendance at the event is reportedly limited to those who participated in the election.
Significant Financial Contributions to Conservative Efforts
This visit marks a further escalation of Musk’s engagement in Wisconsin politics. He has publicly endorsed Judge Brad Schimel, a conservative jurist and former state attorney general also supported by former President Donald Trump. Campaign finance records in Wisconsin indicate that Musk has donated $3 million to the Wisconsin Republican Party this year. Additionally, Musk’s super PAC, America PAC, has emerged as the largest external spender in the Supreme Court race, having spent over $12 million to date, according to recent data from the state’s campaign finance portal.
America PAC’s Controversial Tactics
America PAC has also attracted attention for offering Wisconsin voters $100 to sign a petition with conservative leanings ahead of the election. The group recently awarded $1 million to one petition signatory, representing the latest significant prize in Musk’s broader strategy to stimulate engagement with his political activities.
Musk’s Role in Wisconsin Political Landscape
Musk’s substantial public involvement in Wisconsin has positioned him as a key figure in the high-stakes contest for partisan control of the state Supreme Court. His actions align with Republican strategies to energize their voter base prior to Tuesday’s election.
Republican Campaign Efforts Highlight Trump Endorsement
Former President Trump recently participated in a telephone town hall with Judge Schimel. Schimel’s campaign has launched advertisements emphasizing Trump’s endorsement and attacking the Democratic candidate on issues related to transgender policies. Furthermore, an outside group supporting Schimel is running a new advertisement criticizing a judicial decision unrelated to the state race but relevant to conservative priorities: the blocking of the Trump administration’s deportation flights. This ad aims to underscore the perceived need for conservative judges like Schimel in positions of power.
Democratic Response and Public Opinion
Democrats have responded to Musk’s influence by attempting to portray him negatively. Recent polling data from Marquette University Law School indicates that a majority of registered voters in Wisconsin hold an unfavorable view of Musk, mirroring similar national trends observed in recent NBC News polls.
Candidate Crawford Criticizes Musk’s Spending
Liberal candidate Susan Crawford released an advertisement this month accusing Musk of attempting to “purchase” a Supreme Court seat for Schimel, alleging that Schimel would be beholden to large campaign donors like Musk. Crawford and the state Democratic Party have consistently highlighted Musk as a central antagonist in their campaign messaging.
Tesla’s Lawsuit and Musk’s Initial Involvement
Musk’s initial foray into the race occurred in January when he endorsed Schimel via a post on X. This endorsement followed shortly after Musk’s electric vehicle company, Tesla, initiated legal action in Wisconsin challenging a state law that restricts car manufacturers from owning dealerships – a case that could potentially reach the state Supreme Court.
Musk’s Wisconsin Strategy Mirrors National Political Engagement
Musk’s approach in Wisconsin is reminiscent of his engagement in the 2024 presidential election. His super PAC dedicated substantial funds to supporting Trump, primarily focusing on voter mobilization efforts such as canvassing, direct mail, text messaging, and digital advertising. America PAC is allocating similar resources to bolster Schimel’s candidacy.
Past Political Activities of America PAC
America PAC has a history of offering financial incentives related to petition signing, including a controversial $1 million giveaway that faced an unsuccessful legal challenge. Musk also actively campaigned in swing states and delivered speeches during the presidential election.
Limited Involvement in Florida Special Election
Musk has also shown some, though significantly less, engagement in the special election in Florida to replace former GOP Representative Michael Waltz, who was appointed as Trump’s national security advisor. Federal campaign finance records show that America PAC has spent approximately $76,000 in independent expenditures in that race.