Elon Musk’s Election Law Violation Case Moves to La Crosse County
In a significant development, Brown County’s District Attorney has decided to transfer complaints against billionaire Elon Musk to the La Crosse County District Attorney due to a conflict of interest. The case stems from allegations that Musk violated state election laws through a social media post related to the 2025 state Supreme Court election.
Brown County District Attorney David Lasee announced on Friday that his office received two complaints from the Wisconsin Elections Commission regarding Musk’s actions. Last month, the commission voted 5-1, determining that Musk likely breached state laws by proposing a $1 million reward to voters in the election.
Back in March 2025, Musk distributed oversized checks at a Green Bay rally in support of conservative candidate Brad Schimel, whom he heavily financed. Despite Musk’s backing, Schimel lost to liberal candidate Susan Crawford.
The commission’s findings spurred Democratic lawmakers and activists from northeast Wisconsin to urge Lasee to act on the issue. State Representative Lee Snodgrass, D-Appleton, emphasized the urgency of addressing these “vote-buying schemes” at a recent press conference: “With just four months to go before the midterms, we must send a message loud and clear that Wisconsin’s votes are not for sale.”
Lasee explained in his Friday statement that due to a conflict of interest, his office would not handle the case. Instead, La Crosse District Attorney Tim Gruenke will serve as a special prosecutor. The statement praised Gruenke as “an experienced prosecutor, who is highly competent and well-respected throughout the state,” expressing confidence in his ability to review the matter appropriately.
As of now, Gruenke has not commented on his new role in the case. It’s noteworthy that Lasee is a Republican, while Gruenke is affiliated with the Democratic Party.
