On Friday, March 21, 2025, the Wisconsin Examiner reported that a political action committee linked to Elon Musk is incentivizing Wisconsin voters with cash rewards for signing a petition against what it terms “activist judges.” The initiative, spearheaded by America PAC, offers participants $100 for signing the petition and an additional $100 for each referral they bring in who also signs.
To participate, individuals must provide personal information, including their name, address, email, and phone number. This data is intended to facilitate ongoing communication with voters by the group. America PAC has already invested over $7 million in support of Brad Schimel, a Waukesha County judge running for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Musk has personally contributed more than $13 million to efforts backing Schimel.
During the campaign, Schimel’s opponent, Dane County Judge Susan Crawford, has accused Musk of attempting to purchase a position on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The controversy is heightened by Musk’s company, Tesla, which recently filed a lawsuit in Wisconsin aimed at altering state laws regarding who is permitted to operate car dealerships.
Schimel has positioned himself as a potential ally to former President Donald Trump should he win a seat on the Court. In response to America PAC’s actions, Derrick Honeyman, a spokesperson for Crawford’s campaign, criticized Musk, alleging that he is attempting to “buy votes.” Honeyman further claimed that Musk seeks a favorable ruling in his company’s lawsuit against the state, characterizing Schimel as a candidate who favors wealthy special interests.
The initiative by America PAC echoes a similar campaign from the previous presidential election, where they circulated a petition advocating for free speech and gun rights, offering substantial daily awards to voters in swing states who signed. The group’s current strategy has raised concerns among some political observers about the influence of financial incentives in the electoral process.
As the campaign progresses, the implications of Musk’s financial involvement and the tactics employed by America PAC are drawing significant attention in Wisconsin’s political landscape. The situation continues to evolve as both candidates prepare for the upcoming election.
Source: Wisconsin Examiner
