Musk gave more than $200m to US political groups ahead of midterms

Elon Musk donated more than $200m to US political groups in the three months to 30 September, with most of the money going to a Republican-aligned group as the party fights to retain control of Congress in November’s midterm elections, according to Federal Election Commission filings reviewed by the BBC. [1]

The largest contribution was $158m to the Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC that supports Republican Senate candidates. The fund quickly transferred the money to a group backing Texas Republican Ken Paxton, who is running against Democrat James Talarico in a closely contested race, the BBC reported.

Musk also gave more than $80m to America PAC, which he founded during the 2024 election, and another $10m to Lone Star Liberty PAC, a group that primarily supports Paxton. America PAC spent millions on communications opposing Talarico and thousands on marketing for Paxton, according to the report.

Texas and the regulatory stakes

Musk has moved businesses including SpaceX, Tesla and X to Texas after expressing frustration with operating in California. Texas has no state personal income tax or corporate income tax, and the BBC reported that it offers fewer government regulations.

Political analyst Cayce Myers told the BBC that Musk’s spending in the state appeared to reflect its importance to him. He cautioned that a Republican fundraising advantage did not guarantee electoral success.

The donations also come amid debate over regulation of artificial intelligence, data centres and social media. Myers said technology executives were seeking an advantageous position as calls for oversight grow, and described political contributions as a way of shaping the regulatory environment.

Musk spent $290m supporting Donald Trump and other Republicans in 2024, according to the BBC. His latest donations add to a wider flow of money from technology, cryptocurrency and gambling interests into US politics. [1]