In an unprecedented twist in Wisconsin’s high-stakes Supreme Court election, Hollywood actor and MAGA supporter Rob Schneider has pledged to match a $100 incentive being offered by a political action committee (PAC) linked to billionaire Elon Musk. The move could effectively double the payout to Wisconsin voters who sign a controversial petition aimed at opposing so-called “activist judges.”
The announcement comes just weeks before the April 1, 2025, election that will determine the ideological balance of Wisconsin’s highest court—a decision with far-reaching implications for key issues including abortion rights, redistricting, and election laws.
Musk’s $100 Petition Push
Elon Musk’s America PAC made headlines earlier this month after it began offering Wisconsin residents $100 to sign a petition calling for “judicial neutrality.” The petition criticizes judges who allegedly prioritize personal or political beliefs over the law, advocating instead for a judiciary that interprets laws strictly as written.
The PAC’s website states:
“Our judiciary should be free from personal politics. We call on all Wisconsin voters to support judges who uphold the Constitution, not reinterpret it.”
The financial incentive is part of a broader campaign strategy aimed at swaying public opinion and boosting voter turnout in favor of conservative judicial candidates—particularly former Attorney General Brad Schimel, the GOP-backed contender in the race.
Notably, the PAC also promises an additional $100 referral bonus for each new signer introduced to the petition, further multiplying potential payouts.
More information on the election can be found on the Wisconsin Elections Commission website.
Rob Schneider Doubles Down
Rob Schneider, best known for his comedic roles in Hollywood and his vocal support for former President Donald Trump, took to social media on Friday to endorse Musk’s campaign—and take it a step further.
“I’ll match that. Another $100 for every patriotic Wisconsinite who signs this petition,” Schneider posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We need judges who follow the Constitution—not rewrite it.”
Schneider’s offer could potentially bring the total payment to $200 per voter, raising ethical and legal concerns over monetary incentives tied to political participation.
Despite criticism, neither Schneider nor America PAC has backed down from the initiative, which they argue promotes civic engagement and judicial accountability.
A Tense Battle for Judicial Control
The Wisconsin Supreme Court currently holds a narrow 4-3 liberal majority, following last year’s election of Justice Janet Protasiewicz, a progressive-leaning jurist. That balance is now under threat as conservative donors, including Musk, pour millions into the race.
Their preferred candidate, Brad Schimel, previously served as Wisconsin’s attorney general and is widely viewed as a constitutional originalist. His opponent, Susan Crawford, a former legal advisor to Democratic Governor Jim Doyle, has earned endorsements from progressive organizations and labor unions.
A shift in court alignment could have an immediate impact on legal challenges surrounding Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban, legislative gerrymandering, and voter ID laws.
For context on how the Wisconsin Supreme Court functions and its justices, refer to the official Wisconsin Supreme Court site.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Critics of the Musk-Schneider initiative have raised alarms about the ethics of paying voters in the run-up to a pivotal election. However, legal experts point out that because the money is tied to a petition—not a direct vote—the practice may not technically violate election laws.
Still, the situation underscores a growing concern over the influence of money in the judicial system.
“This is a concerning development,” said Lisa Graves, executive director of watchdog group True North Research. “It blurs the line between civic participation and financial coercion.”
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) and the Wisconsin Ethics Commission have yet to issue formal statements on the matter.
Broader Implications
Elon Musk’s America PAC has made similar moves in the past. During the 2024 presidential election, the PAC launched several campaigns offering financial incentives to individuals who promoted causes like Second Amendment rights and online free speech. Now, its entry into judicial elections signals a new frontier for political influence.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is being closely watched not only by local voters but also by national political strategists. Early estimates suggest that over $20 million may be spent in total before election day—an eye-popping figure for a state-level judicial election.
What Voters Need to Know
Voters should be aware that while signing a petition is legal, accepting money in exchange for a vote is not. Election officials have warned residents to remain cautious of offers that may violate election integrity.
To learn how to register to vote, check polling locations, or understand your rights as a voter, visit the MyVote Wisconsin portal.
Conclusion
As political tensions intensify in Wisconsin, the intertwining of money, celebrity influence, and the judiciary is drawing national attention. Whether Musk and Schneider’s incentives will sway the outcome remains to be seen—but what’s clear is that the battle for the Wisconsin Supreme Court is far from ordinary.
With just days left until April 1, voters face not just a legal decision—but a moral one about the role of money and influence in American democracy.
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