Wisconsin Commission Finds Probable Cause in Musk Election Payouts

The investigation stems from complaints filed by voters in Milwaukee and Green Bay, where Musk distributed checks at a public rally shortly before the election. The commission’s motion alleges these payments were intended to induce participation in a contest that ultimately became the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history, with total spending exceeding $100 million. Musk’s involvement focused on supporting Republican-backed candidate Brad Schimel, who was defeated by Susan Crawford by a 10-point margin.

Brown County District Attorney David Lasee now has 40 days to review the referral. This is not the only legal hurdle for the billionaire; the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign has filed a separate lawsuit seeking to permanently enjoin Musk from offering cash payments in the state, citing violations of anti-bribery statutes and unauthorized lottery regulations. While Musk’s legal team has maintained that his actions constitute protected free speech rather than candidate advocacy, the state commission’s findings mark a significant escalation in the regulatory pushback against his political spending tactics.