On Saturday, the Wisconsin Appeals Court rejected an emergency injunction request filed by Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul, allowing billionaire Elon Musk to distribute $1 million checks to two voters at a rally on Sunday.
This ruling comes just two days before a crucial Wisconsin Supreme Court election, seen as a significant test of President Trump’s political influence. Musk and his funding groups have poured in over $20 million, setting a new spending record for judicial elections in the United States.
Musk, along with Trump, backs conservative candidate Judge Brad Schimel in Waukesha County, while the Democrats support liberal Judge Susan Crawford in Dane County.
Attorney General Kaul filed a lawsuit on Friday, alleging that Musk was attempting to influence voters with money, in violation of state law. However, the court found that the current evidence was insufficient to issue a restraining order, allowing Musk’s cash giveaway to proceed.
Musk plans to distribute another million dollars to two voters who signed petitions against liberal judges at the rally on Sunday, and offer a $100 reward to other signatories. Recently, a man from Green Bay received $1 million for this.
This Supreme Court election will determine the court’s ideological direction. Currently, liberals lead 4-3, but with a judge retiring, the balance of power could shift.
The election will conclude on April 1st. The court will make decisions on significant issues such as abortion rights, congressional districting, union power, and voting rules, which could impact the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential election.
(Reference: Associated Press)