Tesla CEO’s Political Funding Now Focuses on Wisconsin Supreme Court Election
“We’re living in an era where money talks. Musk’s financial power influencing local elections is the new reality of our democracy.”
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is exercising significant influence over the Wisconsin Supreme Court election scheduled for April 1. This election is gaining attention as the first major electoral test of partisan enthusiasm following President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Musk’s Massive Funding: $17 Million Donation to Republican Candidate
Political organizations led by Musk have donated $17 million (approximately $249 million KRW) to Republican-leaning candidate Judge Brad Schimel. At the center of this effort is Musk’s ‘America PAC,’ which has invested over $6.6 million for Judge Schimel. Other conservative super PACs have contributed similar amounts to television advertising and other campaign activities.
In response, Democratic candidate Susan Crawford has raised $24 million (approximately $352 million KRW), the highest amount ever for a judicial election candidate. Crawford’s campaign has received donations from 113,000 contributors. Both sides are mobilizing enormous funds in this fierce competition.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Composition Could Change with This Election
This election carries significance beyond replacing a single judge—it will determine the political leaning of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Currently, the court has a 4-3 majority of progressive-leaning justices. If Judge Schimel wins, the court majority will shift to a conservative orientation.
Wisconsin is considered a key battleground state in U.S. presidential elections, so changes in the judicial branch’s ideological makeup could significantly impact future election-related litigation and major policy decisions.
How Does Musk’s Political Funding Strategy Work?
Musk’s ‘America PAC’ operates as a super PAC that can raise unlimited funds from individuals, corporations, and labor unions. Legally, the organization must spend money independently without direct coordination with candidates or political parties.
The key strategies of ‘America PAC’ include:
- Targeted messaging: Delivering customized messages to specific voter groups using data and analytics
- Advertising campaigns across various media
- Voter outreach and mobilization through volunteer networks
- Strategy optimization through analysis of voter preferences and donation trends
Musk’s Financial Power Also Contributed to Trump’s Presidential Victory
Musk’s expanding political influence extends beyond the Wisconsin state election. He donated approximately $119 million to support Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, with some reports suggesting his total spending reached $259 million (approximately $3.7 trillion KRW).
Musk’s ‘America PAC’ specifically targeted Trump-supporting voters with low voting interest in seven battleground states. Through aggressive campaign efforts, including direct visits to about 11 million households, the PAC is credited with contributing to Trump’s victory.
Political analysts estimate that Musk’s involvement could have created a 1-2% difference in vote margins in battleground states. Given the characteristics of the U.S. electoral system, this level of difference can potentially determine the overall election outcome.
Trump-Musk Alliance: A New Axis in American Politics
The collaboration between Trump and Musk is expected to bring significant changes to American politics. Their partnership will likely strengthen deregulation and business-friendly policies, potentially shifting policy direction toward technological innovation and economic growth.
Musk is particularly changing the political orientation of Silicon Valley, which has traditionally been progressive. His strengthening conservative leanings are expected to influence the political landscape of the tech industry.
The Trump-Musk collaboration could impact not only economic policy but also government structural reform. If Musk takes on an advisory role in the Trump administration, he may advocate for improving government efficiency and administrative reform.
However, experts question whether this long-term cooperation will continue due to the differences in the two figures’ dispositions. Musk’s past comment that Trump’s re-election could create difficulties for the U.S. economy suggests their relationship may not be straightforward.
Big Capital’s Political Intervention: Threat to Democracy or New Form?
The political intervention of mega-capitalists like Musk raises questions about the essence of democracy. Debate continues over whether the influence of an individual’s vast financial resources on election results and policy decisions aligns with democratic principles.
As seen in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, Musk’s moves to expand influence even to local elections are prompting new discussions about the role and limitations of political funding. This is an issue that not only the United States but democratic countries worldwide need to consider.
The results of the Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 1 will be another test to gauge Musk’s political influence. This election will help determine how much big capital’s political intervention actually affects voters’ choices.
The choice of Wisconsin residents will send an important message about the relationship between capital and politics in modern democracy, beyond simply determining the composition of one region’s court.
politics, Musk, Wisconsin, election, Trump, America PAC, political funding, democracy, campaign finance, US politics