In a surprising turn of events, Elon Musk, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, made headlines by distributing a pair of million-dollar checks to two Wisconsin voters during a rally held on Sunday. This initiative forms part of Musk's broader strategy to sway the critical state Supreme Court race. The rally took place at a convention center in Green Bay, where hundreds gathered outside to protest Musk’s substantial financial influence in the election, which has significant implications for the state and national political landscape.
The timing of Musk's event was strategic, occurring just two days before the highly anticipated Wisconsin Supreme Court election. The contest pits conservative Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel against liberal Dane County Judge Susan Crawford. While the race is officially nonpartisan, it has attracted significant support from both major political parties: Republicans are backing Schimel, while Democrats are rallying behind Crawford. The outcome of this election is poised to reshape the ideological balance of the court, which currently holds a 4-3 liberal majority.
Musk's involvement goes beyond mere attendance; he, alongside affiliated groups, has already contributed over $20 million to bolster Schimel’s campaign. Although Crawford has her own set of large donors, Musk's financial clout makes him the most significant player in this race. During his address to more than 1,000 attendees, Musk explained his motivation for participating, noting that a new state Supreme Court could potentially redraw Wisconsin’s congressional maps at a time when Republicans have a precarious majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. He stressed the race's importance, claiming it could have far-reaching consequences for “America and the world.”
Prior to the rally, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul filed a lawsuit aimed at blocking Musk from distributing the $1 million checks, labeling it a “blatant attempt” to contravene the state’s laws against election bribery. However, the state Supreme Court declined to prevent the giveaway after an appeals court ruled similarly the day before. Musk presented oversized checks to recipients Ekaterina Diestler and Nicholas Jacobs, who are notable figures in Wisconsin’s political landscape, with Jacobs serving as the chair of the Wisconsin College Republicans.
During his speech, Musk emphasized the need for increased public awareness regarding the election, identifying it as a significant challenge for conservatives. He stated, "We need to get attention," highlighting how his actions often provoke reactions from mainstream media outlets. Musk's financial support in this race coincides with ongoing legal disputes involving his electric vehicle company, which has sued the state over restrictions preventing it from opening dealerships in Wisconsin—a case that may also reach the state Supreme Court.
While Musk's event was largely seen as supporting Schimel, the candidate himself did not attend the rally, stating he had “no plans to be there” and learned about Musk's appearance through the news. Musk was joined by prominent Republicans, including Sen. Ron Johnson and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who framed the Supreme Court race as a pivotal moment that could send a message to the political left. Duffy asserted, “If you all turn out on Tuesday with your friends, we are going to win in Wisconsin and send a message to the radical left.”
Outside the rally, numerous protesters expressed their discontent with Musk's financial influence in state politics. Green Bay resident Brooke Buege criticized Musk's actions, arguing that it is "disgusting" for the richest man in the world to manipulate the electoral process. Another protester, Cathi Oreto, voiced her concerns about the implications of Musk’s involvement, stating, “We won’t sit down for the richest man in the world to come and try to butt in where he doesn’t belong.”
Conversely, many attendees praised Musk's financial backing of Schimel. Supporter Dan Ammerman expressed his belief that Musk's efforts are crucial for controlling government spending, asserting that significant cuts are necessary for fiscal responsibility. Young voters like Bryce Schraeder have also been drawn to the political movement, finding Musk's involvement to be an engaging aspect of the current political climate.
The upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election is not merely a local affair; it embodies a struggle that could reverberate across the nation. With Musk's substantial financial contributions and the contentious nature of the race, the outcome will likely influence both state and federal politics. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the implications of this election are becoming increasingly clear, highlighting the intersection of wealth, politics, and democracy in America.
