Musk Election Bribery
Elon Musk likely broke Wisconsin law with $1M payments in state Supreme Court election.
Anonymous
A bipartisan panel of the Wisconsin Elections Commission has found that Elon Musk likely broke state law by handing out $1 million checks to voters during the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election, according to NBC Chicago. The finding opens the door for criminal charges, with the Brown County district attorney's office now weighing whether to prosecute Musk for election bribery.
Musk spent at least $20 million trying to flip Wisconsin's highest court to a Republican majority. He still lost — by 10 percentage points. Democratic-backed candidate Susan Crawford won the seat, in what became the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history, NBC New York reported.
Wisconsin Elections Commission Flags Musk's Cash Giveaway
The Wisconsin Elections Commission is a bipartisan body. That means both Republicans and Democrats on the panel agreed: Musk's $1 million payments to voters likely crossed a legal line. Wisconsin law bans election bribery — giving people money or gifts to influence how they vote. The commission's finding is not a conviction, but it is a formal signal that a crime may have occurred, according to NBC Bay Area.
The Brown County district attorney's office is now the key player. That office can decide whether to file criminal charges against Musk. No charges have been announced yet, but the commission's conclusion gives prosecutors a strong foundation to act, NBC Miami reported.
Musk Poured $20 Million Into the Race — and Still Lost
Musk backed the Republican-supported candidate in a race that drew national attention. He spent at least $20 million on the effort. Despite that massive financial push, his candidate lost by 10 points to Susan Crawford, the Democratic-backed pick. The final vote margin was decisive, not close, NBC Boston reported.
The race shattered records. It became the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history. Musk's goal was to flip the Wisconsin Supreme Court to a conservative majority. Control of the court matters because it can shape decisions on issues like voting maps and abortion rights. That goal failed.
Watchdog Group Sues to Stop Future Cash Payments
A government watchdog group called the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign has filed a lawsuit against Musk. The group wants a court to block Musk from offering cash payments to voters in Wisconsin in the future, according to NBC Los Angeles. The lawsuit is a separate legal action from the potential criminal case.
Together, the lawsuit and the commission's finding put Musk under significant legal pressure in Wisconsin. He faces scrutiny on two fronts: possible criminal charges from a district attorney and a civil lawsuit from a watchdog group. Both stem from the same $1 million voter payments, NBC New York reported.
What Comes Next for Musk and Wisconsin Courts
The Brown County district attorney has not yet announced a decision. If charges are filed, Musk could face penalties under Wisconsin's election bribery statute. Legal experts say the commission's bipartisan finding makes it harder for prosecutors to ignore the case, according to NBC Bay Area.
Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Supreme Court now has a Democratic majority after Crawford's win. That majority could influence rulings on voting laws, redistricting, and other key issues in the state. Musk's $20 million bet not only failed — it may now come with a criminal price tag.
Sentiment
NeutralNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
6
Articles
6
Reach
6
A
AnonymousAuthor