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Dutchman wins $1 million from Elon Musk’s political PAC

Umito October 26, 2024

HOLLAND, Mich. — A Dutch man became an overnight millionaire after winning Elon Musk’s political PAC. The contest, organized by Musk’s America PAC, aims to encourage voter registration and support for the First and Second Amendments.

Jason Cochran was surprised by a knock on his door Thursday evening, just days after signing the online petition.

He was home alone Thursday, watching football on television, when he received an unexpected visit from representatives of the America PAC.

They handed him a huge fake check for a million dollars.

“A few weeks ago, my wife said to me, ‘What would you do if you made a lot of money?'” Cochran recalled. “We both just said we’d probably continue doing what we’re doing.”

To qualify for the competition, Cochran signed a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments.

“It’s still hard to believe.”

He stressed that no conditions were attached to the price.

“They didn’t say I had to vote for…I didn’t have to vote, period. I didn’t have to vote for anyone,” Cochran said. “It’s pretty amazing to get there just for doing something I would have done anyway.”

Musk’s America PAC is distributing $1 million per day between Oct. 22 and Nov. 5 to registered voters who sign the petition in battleground states.

Cochran plans to use the prize money to support a cause he believes in.

Her family and another from West Michigan recently launched Route, a Christian trade school program for homeschooled students.

“The trades are extremely important, and there wasn’t a great way to get a lot more kids to go into them,” Cochran said.

Unlike some lottery winners, Cochran has no plans to splurge on luxury.

“It’s peace of mind right now,” he said Friday. “I have no plans to go out and buy anything.”

Cochran is the first person from Michigan to receive one of the million-dollar prizes.

Musk posted each recipient to his X account (formerly Twitter). Winners will be announced daily until the election.

“That’s one of the great things about making money, knowing you can help other people,” Cochran said.

The initiative has not been without controversy: Some political voices have expressed concerns about its legality, with some saying it could violate federal laws against paying people to vote.

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