PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia judge plans to hold a hearing Thursday in the city attorney’s attempt to stop Elon Musk’s $1 million-a-day sweepstakes in swing states of battle. The gifts come from Musk’s political organization, which aims to boost Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.

Philadelphia prosecutor sues Musk over $1 million gift

Musk’s lawyers filed a motion Wednesday evening seeking to take the case to federal court, saying it involves a federal election issue. However, a spokesman for Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said Thursday that the initial hearing at City Hall was still scheduled.

Krasner, a Democrat, filed suit Monday to stop the America PAC sweepstakes, which is expected to run through Election Day. Judge Angelo Foglietta is expected to preside over the case.

Matthew Haverstick, one of several lawyers representing the defendants, declined to say Wednesday evening whether Musk would attend the hearing.

The drawing is open to residents of battleground states who sign a petition in support of the Constitution.

Krasner said he may still consider criminal charges, saying he is responsible for protecting the public from both illegal lotteries and “interference with election integrity.”

Election law experts question whether this violates federal law prohibiting someone from paying other people to vote. Musk made the money both a prize and a salary for his work as the group’s spokesperson.

Krasner, in the lawsuit, said America PAC and Musk “unquestionably violate Pennsylvania’s statutory prohibitions against illegal lotteries and deceive consumers.”

Billionaires’ business interests hinge on election outcome

Trump and Kamala Harris have visited the state several times as they fight for Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes.

Musk, who founded SpaceX and Tesla and owns X, went all-in on Trump this election, saying he believed civilization was at stake if he lost. He is undertaking much of the effort to get Trump out of the vote through his super PAC, which can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money.

He committed more than $70 million to the super PAC to help Trump and other Republicans achieve victory in November.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming videos, visit Queen City News.