On the brink of what is being described as the most financially intensive judicial election in U.S. history, Senator Bernie Sanders has voiced concerns regarding the involvement of billionaire Elon Musk in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Sanders advocates for a shift toward public funding for elections to mitigate the effects of wealth in political processes.

In a post on social media platform X, Sanders highlighted, “So. This is the state of American democracy. The richest guy in the world is handing out million dollar checks in order to win a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat and elect an anti-choice judge.” Musk, recognized as the world’s richest individual, also has connections to former President Donald Trump’s administration.

The Context of the Election

Voters in Wisconsin are set to elect a new justice to fill the vacancy left by retiring Justice Ann Walsh Bradley. The contest features Susan Crawford, a progressive judge, against Brad Schimel, the former Republican attorney general. This election is critical as it has the potential to shift the ideological balance of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which has recently seen a liberal majority for the first time in over a decade.

Financial Contributions and Spending

According to the Brennan Center for Justice, Musk’s super political action committee (PAC), America PAC, has invested over $12 million in favor of Schimel. Additionally, another Musk-affiliated organization, Building America’s Future, has contributed nearly $6 million. Overall, the financial commitments surrounding this judicial race have reached an astounding $90 million, with $49.7 million supporting Schimel and $40.3 million backing Crawford.

The data indicates that outside spending groups, particularly super PACs and dark money organizations, have disproportionately aided Schimel with a staggering $35.5 million, compared to Crawford’s $13.5 million.

Controversial Tactics and Legal Challenges

Adding to the controversy, Musk reportedly circulated a petition through America PAC challenging what he denoted as “activist judges,” offering $1,000 incentives for registered voters who signed it. Despite objections from Wisconsin’s attorney general, the state Supreme Court declined to intervene against Musk’s proposed giveaway at a rally he held in Green Bay. During this event, Musk distributed checks, including one to Nicholas Jacobs, a leader of the Wisconsin College Republicans.

Calls for Reform

Senator Sanders emphasized the urgency for reform by stating, “We MUST overturn Citizens United and move to public funding of elections.” The 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission has significantly affected campaign financing, removing limits on corporate spending in political campaigns, which advocates argue has led to unduly influenced electoral outcomes.

As the election date approaches, the implications of Musk’s financial involvement and the broader issues of campaign financing are central to discussions about the integrity of American democracy.