Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of Tesla and SpaceX, made a high-profile appearance in Wisconsin on Sunday, aiming to shift the state’s Supreme Court to the right with significant financial contributions. Musk, an advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump, took the stage in Green Bay to rally support for conservative judge Brad Schimel ahead of Tuesday’s election.
Wisconsin, a key swing state, holds significant influence over congressional redistricting. Musk argued that a conservative Supreme Court was crucial to protecting pro-Trump districts from gerrymandering and voter fraud, declaring, “What happens on Tuesday will help decide control of the U.S. House of Representatives, which in turn shapes the country and the future of Western civilization.”
To back his stance, Musk has poured millions into the race. The contest pits Schimel against liberal candidate Susan Crawford, with a conservative victory set to tilt the court to the right. Wisconsin’s electoral districts could be redrawn before the 2026 midterms, adding weight to the election’s outcome.
While Musk addressed an enthusiastic crowd in Green Bay—donning the state’s iconic “cheese head” hat—his intervention has sparked resistance as well. At a rally for Crawford, retired engineer Rob Patterson held a sign depicting Musk giving a straight-armed salute, with the words: “Oi wanker, our Supreme Court is not for sale.”
Crawford, addressing supporters at a small-town gathering, criticized Musk’s deep-pocketed influence, stating, “He has spent over $25 million, and it keeps climbing. He’s acting as Trump’s unelected right-hand man with an agenda of his own.”
Musk’s political influence has grown since he spent $277 million backing Trump’s campaign. After Trump’s return to the White House, Musk was appointed to head the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he has overseen mass federal layoffs and drastic budget cuts.
At a supermarket in Elkhorn, voter Linda Suskey voiced her concerns. “Musk is using his money to gain more power. He answers to no one and is shaping things to benefit the wealthy.”
Aside from his campaign donations, Musk awarded two $1 million checks to Wisconsin voters, a move reminiscent of his presidential race strategy of handing out daily million-dollar prizes to swing-state voters. Additionally, his political organization has offered $100 to those signing a petition against “activist judges” in Wisconsin.
Critics argue Musk’s financial influence is an attempt to sway judicial rulings in his favor. Tesla is currently challenging Wisconsin’s law barring automakers from directly owning dealerships—a case that could soon come before the state’s Supreme Court.
With the election looming, Musk’s intervention has injected an unprecedented level of controversy and funding into the race, leaving Wisconsin voters to decide whether his influence will shape the future of their judiciary.