Wisconsin Group Sues Elon Musk Over Alleged Voter Bribery in Supreme Court Election

Billionaire Elon Musk is facing multiple lawsuits in Wisconsin following allegations that he illegally bribed voters during the 2025 state Supreme Court election by distributing million-dollar checks and smaller cash payments to induce votes for conservative candidate Brad Schimel. The lawsuits, filed by organizations including the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and Law Forward, claim Musk and his affiliated political entities violated state election laws prohibiting vote bribery and unauthorized lotteries. Musk's political action committee, America PAC, reportedly spent over $20 million in the race—the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history—while also incentivizing voters to sign petitions with cash payments. Critics argue that these actions undermine voter confidence and threaten the integrity of elections, with some plaintiffs seeking court orders to prevent similar schemes in the future. Despite Musk's heavy spending and voter incentives, Schimel was decisively defeated by liberal candidate Susan Crawford, who won by a wide margin in the swing state. Musk has faced backlash for his involvement and has recently reduced his public engagement in Republican messaging after controversial remarks involving President Donald Trump.