Elon Musk Distributes $1 Million Cheques to Wisconsin Voters Ahead of Supreme Court Election

Musk's actions raise significant questions about campaign finance and election integrity as the state braces for a high-stakes judicial battle.

In a move that has ignited a fierce debate over political donations and voter manipulation, billionaire Elon Musk has given away $1 million cheques to Wisconsin voters, just prior to the state's Supreme Court election slated for this Tuesday. This contentious giveaway comes after the Wisconsin Supreme Court declined to intervene, despite a lawsuit from Attorney General Josh Kaul, who argued that such actions constitute a violation of state laws prohibiting gifts in exchange for votes.

Musk had previously announced his intention to distribute the hefty cheques at a rally, where he emphasized the need for impartial judges, stating, "We just want judges to be judges." The giveaway aligns with a broader political strategy, aiming to influence the outcome of a contest that could shift the Supreme Court's balance of power toward a more conservative leaning — a significant consideration given the potential implications for key issues such as abortion rights, redistricting, and voting regulations, particularly ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Kaul, who represents the Democratic side of the political spectrum, has sought legal action to halt Musk's giveaway, framing it as an unlawful attempt to sway voters. Musk's legal representatives have countered that the state Attorney General is infringing on his First Amendment rights by suppressing his political speech. They contend that the payments are intended as a grassroots movement against "activist judges," rather than direct endorsements of specific candidates.

Moreover, Musk's endorsement of conservative candidate Brad Schimel, coupled with a substantial personal donation of $14 million to his campaign, marks this election as an expensive and highly scrutinized event, with total spending projected to reach $81 million — the highest in U.S. history for a judicial race. In a twist of irony, Schimel recently distanced himself from Musk, stating he was unaware of the rally and its implications for his campaign.

Notably, this is not Musk's first venture into political cash giveaways; last year, he offered $1 million daily to voters in multiple battleground states, a move deemed legal by a Pennsylvania judge, who found inadequate evidence to substantiate claims of unlawful lottery practices. The outcome and fallout from Musk’s latest actions will likely resonate beyond Wisconsin, as political analysts view this race as a referendum on the Trump administration’s influence in shaping judicial landscapes.