The Wisconsin Elections Commission has found probable cause that billionaire Elon Musk may have violated state election bribery laws by offering $1 million checks to voters during the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election. The bipartisan commission, consisting of three Republicans and three Democrats, voted 5-1 to refer two complaints to the Brown County District Attorney's office, which can choose to pursue criminal charges.
The complaints stem from Musk's practice of offering cash giveaways to voters who signed petitions for his political group, America PAC. In Wisconsin, the group awarded $1 million checks to three voters who signed a petition against "activist judges." Musk and his PAC spent millions backing GOP-endorsed Judge Brad Schimel, who lost to Democratic-endorsed Judge Susan Crawford.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, previously sued to stop the payments, arguing they violated state law. Musk's lawyers countered that the billionaire was exercising his right to free speech. The state's highest court declined to take up the issue.
At a rally days before the election, Musk handed out giant novelty checks to voters in Brown County. The district attorney's office has 40 days to report back to the commission on whether it will pursue charges. Musk and the district attorney have not yet commented on the matter.