Elon Musk has offered a $1 million reward to a voter in a bold effort to influence Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race in favour of the Republican Party. The Tesla CEO made the announcement on X, calling it the first million-dollar award as part of a campaign to gather support against “activist judges” in the state. The upcoming election on April 1 could shift control of the court, a crucial issue in the battleground state.
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Musk’s America PAC petition, which criticises judges for reinterpreting laws for political reasons, has gained significant attention. The stakes are high, with the race being viewed as a referendum on Donald Trump’s early months in office. Musk’s involvement comes as Tesla continues its legal battle in Wisconsin over laws that prohibit car manufacturers from selling vehicles directly to consumers. This legal fight was brought to the forefront in January, just before Musk increased his financial contributions to the election.
The race sees Republican Judge Brad Schimel facing off against Democrat Susan Crawford. Schimel, a former attorney general, has garnered Musk’s and Trump’s support, with Musk pouring more than $20 million into his campaign. Trump himself has urged voters to support Schimel, emphasising the need for “common sense” in the judiciary. Schimel also made an appearance in a social media livestream with Musk, further solidifying their alliance.
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In addition to the $1 million prize, Musk’s campaign offers smaller financial incentives, such as $100 for each petition signed and an additional $100 for every referral. The extravagant donations are part of Musk’s growing political influence, as he continues to work closely with Trump. His tech team is currently assisting the White House and National Security Council in an investigation into “Signalgate,” a situation involving a security breach in government communications.
