Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, declared that he is “pouring all his assets” into the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, a race he believes could fundamentally alter the future of the country. Speaking to a crowd of 2,000 supporters in Green Bay on Sunday, Musk made clear that he views the outcome of the election as pivotal—not just for the state of Wisconsin, but for the future of civilization itself.
This bold declaration reflects Musk's increasingly direct involvement in shaping the political landscape, using his vast financial resources to back conservative candidates and causes.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race, one of the most expensive judicial elections in U.S. history, is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in American politics. With more than $81 million already spent and that figure expected to climb, Musk’s financial backing has played a significant role in the race.
The outcome will not only influence the balance of power in Wisconsin but could also have a far-reaching impact on national political dynamics, including the future of congressional redistricting, abortion access, labor laws, and voting rights.
The election pits conservative candidate Brad Schimel, a former state attorney general backed by President Donald Trump, against liberal-aligned Judge Susan Crawford of Dane County, who has the support of Democratic and progressive groups. The outcome of the race is expected to either solidify or shift the current 4-3 liberal majority on the state’s highest court, making it a contest of national significance.
Musk’s rally in Green Bay was his latest effort to galvanize support for Schimel. Dressed in a yellow cheese-head hat—an homage to the state’s football culture—Musk passionately explained the stakes. "This is a super big deal," Musk told the crowd.
"I'm not phoning it in. I'm here in person." He emphasized that the race would have major consequences for the future of American governance, claiming that if the Wisconsin Supreme Court could redraw districts, it would lead to gerrymandering that would harm Republican representation and hinder ongoing governmental reforms.
Musk’s involvement in the race reflects a broader political strategy in which he increasingly uses his vast fortune and public influence to support conservative causes. Through his affiliated political groups, Musk and his allies have poured more than $20 million into supporting Schimel, presenting the election as crucial not just for Wisconsin but for the ideological balance in U.S. governance.
One of the most controversial aspects of Musk's involvement in the race has been his initiative to hand out $1 million checks to two Wisconsin voters. These individuals were selected as "grassroots spokespeople" in an effort Musk describes as a movement against what he terms "activist judges."
This initiative has drawn significant criticism and sparked a legal battle.
Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul quickly challenged Musk’s actions, arguing that the offering of money to voters in exchange for political participation violated Wisconsin’s laws, which prohibit offering anything of value to influence voting. According to Kaul, Musk’s actions amounted to an illegal transaction designed to sway the election.
Musk's legal team, however, countered that the payments were protected as political speech under both state and U.S. constitutions. Musk’s attorneys argued that the checks were not intended to directly influence voting but to promote a political movement aimed at opposing activist judges.
Musk's strategy mirrors a similar initiative used by his political action committee (PAC) in 2024, when it offered $1 million a day to voters in several swing states in exchange for signing a petition supporting First and Second Amendment rights.
Despite Kaul’s legal challenges, the Wisconsin Supreme Court declined to hear the case, clearing the way for Musk’s checks to go ahead. The court’s unanimous decision came just minutes before Musk took the stage at the rally, offering no explanation for its refusal to intervene. Lower courts had already rejected Kaul's arguments, further cementing Musk's position.
This legal uncertainty is compounded by Musk's petition for the recusal of two liberal justices—Jill Karofsky and Rebecca Dallet—who had endorsed Crawford. Both justices declined to step aside, but indicated they would provide an explanation for their reasoning in a future written statement.
Musk has framed the Wisconsin Supreme Court race as having national implications. "This will be important for the future of civilization," he said during his rally. Musk is particularly concerned with the potential for judicial gerrymandering if the court has the power to redraw congressional districts.
He warned that such a move could result in a significant loss of Republican representation in the state and could disrupt ongoing policy reforms. For Musk, this is not just about a state election—it's about protecting the future of the country as a whole.
The outcome of this race could determine the political balance in Wisconsin for years to come, particularly in the context of the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election. If the liberal majority on the court is overturned, it could pave the way for a more conservative-leaning judicial system in the state, potentially influencing key decisions on issues like redistricting and voting rights.
Musk's rhetoric frames this election as a battleground between the forces of liberalism and conservatism, suggesting that the future direction of the country hangs in the balance. The Wisconsin Supreme Court, which will soon rule on critical matters such as abortion rights, labor laws, and voting rules, has become a central battleground in the wider ideological war that is shaping American politics.
Musk’s involvement in Wisconsin has sparked debates over the increasing role of billionaires in American democracy. Critics argue that Musk’s deep pockets give him disproportionate power over electoral outcomes and that such financial influence undermines the democratic process. Others contend that Musk’s actions reflect a broader trend of wealthy individuals using their wealth to shape the political landscape in their favor, particularly in swing states like Wisconsin.
Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, strongly criticized Musk’s actions, calling them a violation of state law. “Let’s be very clear: Elon Musk committed a crime the moment he offered million-dollar checks ‘in appreciation for’ voting,” Wikler said in a statement.
Despite these legal challenges, Musk has continued to defend his actions, asserting that his efforts are aimed at countering what he sees as a liberal judicial system that threatens the values he holds dear.
As the election approaches, all eyes are on Wisconsin and the potential for a shift in the ideological balance of the state’s highest court. The outcome could influence not only local policies but also national political strategies, particularly as the 2024 presidential election looms.
Musk’s $20 million investment in Schimel’s campaign and his direct involvement in the election signal the growing role that big money is playing in state-level races.
If Schimel wins and flips the court’s ideological balance, it could mark a turning point in Wisconsin politics and set the stage for future battles over redistricting, abortion rights, and more.
The election is a stark reminder of how powerful billionaires have become in shaping the course of American democracy, with Musk leading the charge in using his wealth to influence the judiciary and, by extension, the direction of the country.
As voters head to the polls on Tuesday, the future of Wisconsin—and potentially the nation—rests on their decision. Musk’s assertion that the outcome will determine the “future of civilization” may be hyperbolic, but it underscores the high stakes of this critical election.
Whether his financial influence will sway the results remains to be seen, but it is clear that this race is not just about the Wisconsin Supreme Court—it is a microcosm of the broader power struggle that is unfolding across the United States.
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