Wisconsin Democratic leader accuses Musk of 'illegal' actions in Supreme Court race

Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin, said it’s illegal for Elon Musk to cut $1 million paychecks for voters who support Brad Schimel, a Republican candidate for the state’s Supreme Court. 

“Elon Musk has committed a blatant felony by offering money for votes in order to help Brad Schimel,” Wikler said in a Friday statement. 

“Musk’s illegal election bribery scheme to put Brad Schimel on the Supreme Court is a chainsaw attack on democracy and the rule of law in Wisconsin and our nation.” 

The tech giant deleted his early Friday post outlining plans to travel to Wisconsin to personally deliver funds. 

“On Sunday night, I will give a talk in Wisconsin. Entrance is limited to those who have voted in the Supreme Court election,” Musk said in a post on X, which has now been taken down.  

“I will also personally hand over two checks for a million dollars each in appreciation for you taking the time to vote. This is super important,” he added. 

Wikler alleges that the statement violates the law and has encouraged law enforcement to hold the Tesla CEO accountable for attempts to sway the public's vote. 

“Elon Musk should be brought to justice for his illegal attempt to buy votes for Brad Schimel, and Brad Schimel should immediately condemn Musk’s crimes and disavow his continued involvement in his campaign. If Schimel does not immediately call on Musk to end this criminal activity, we can only assume he is complicit,” Wikler said. 

“Law enforcement must act now before this goes any further. Musk’s crime to assist Brad Schimel has already been committed, and if Elon Musk sets foot in Wisconsin, he should be placed in handcuffs and held accountable—just like any other criminal. ”  

Musk notably gave out $1 million to voters in swing states during the 2024 presidential election through his pro-Trump America PAC despite receiving a warning letter from the Department of Justice.  

It’s unclear if Democrats will file a lawsuit over Musk’s recent swipe at voters but some say they would have a strong reason to bring forth a case. 

“Earlier payments were for registering but this is for voting. A clear violation of the state’s election bribery law,” Barry Burden, a professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin Madison, wrote in a post on X.