A bipartisan panel from the Wisconsin Elections Commission has referred complaints against Elon Musk to the Brown County district attorney, indicating that he likely violated state laws prohibiting election bribery.
Musk, who is known for his significant financial involvement in political campaigns, distributed $1 million checks to three voters shortly before the election, which has drawn allegations of attempting to induce votes.
His political action committee, America PAC, previously offered $100 to voters who signed a petition against 'activist judges.' Despite spending over $20 million to support Republican candidate Brad Schimel, Musk's efforts were unsuccessful, as Schimel lost by 10 percentage points to Democratic candidate Susan Crawford.
The election was the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history, exceeding $100 million in total spending. The complaints, which are confidential, were initiated by voters in Milwaukee and Green Bay, and the commission's findings suggest probable cause for Musk's actions. The district attorney now has 40 days to decide whether to pursue charges.
This incident follows a previous lawsuit against Musk regarding similar tactics, which was dismissed, allowing his political spending strategies to continue. The implications of this case could affect Musk's future political contributions and the broader landscape of campaign financing