Elon Musk buys signatures in Wisconsin to oppose activist judges
- Elon Musk's America PAC is offering Wisconsin voters $100 to sign a petition against activist judges.
- The petition is designed to energize conservative voters ahead of the April 1 Supreme Court election.
- This funding tactic raises questions about the ethics of influencing judicial outcomes through financial incentives.
In Wisconsin, Elon Musk's political action committee, America PAC, is attempting to influence the upcoming state Supreme Court election by offering registered voters $100 to sign a petition opposing what are deemed 'activist judges.' This initiative was announced on March 21, 2025 and is part of a broader strategy to energize conservative voter participation as the election approaches. The petition, set to conclude on April 1, seeks to collect personal data from voters while rejecting the notion of judges imposing personal political views rather than interpreting existing laws. The Supreme Court race involves incumbent candidate Susan Crawford, a Democrat, against Brad Schimel, the Republican candidate financially backed by Musk. The high stakes of the election have raised significant concerns around the potential shift in the Supreme Court's balance, impacting future rulings on sensitive issues such as abortion, voting rights, and district boundaries. Musk's financial investments in the campaign reflect his intent to support candidates aligned with conservative ideals. The history of political maneuvering surrounding judicial appointments also comes into play, as Musk's involvement has drawn criticism from opponents who claim such tactics amount to buying votes. This concern is exacerbated by Musk's company's ongoing litigation against the state, where he seeks favorable outcomes that could align with his business interests. As the election date nears, the tension between conservative and liberal ideologies becomes increasingly pronounced. The America PAC's offer is reminiscent of past strategies from the organization, echoing Musk's objective to rally support from conservative voters while potentially swaying undecided participants. The focus on opposing 'activist judges' serves not only as a rallying cry for conservatives but also as a method to galvanize political engagement ahead of critical judicial decisions that will shape the future of the state's legal landscape.