Elon Musk Pours $276 Million Into Republican Midterm Fight as Party Battles to Keep Control of Congress

Elon Musk has donated more than $276 million (£207 million) to Republican-aligned political groups since July as the party fights to retain control of Congress in the 3 November midterm elections.

The contributions include $158 million (£118.5 million) to the Senate Leadership Fund and $76 million (£57 million) to America PAC, the political action committee Musk founded in 2024. His reported political spending during the current election cycle has reached approximately $366 million (£274.5 million).

The figures, first reported by The New York Times on 12 October, were confirmed by America PAC spokesman Andrew Romeo. The donations come as Republicans face voter concerns about living costs, President Donald Trump's performance and the war with Iran.

Where Musk's Contributions Are Going

The largest contribution since July was $158 million (£118.5 million) to the Senate Leadership Fund, the main super PAC supporting Republican Senate candidates. Another $76 million (£57 million) went to America PAC, which has built a voter-turnout operation similar to the one it used during Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.

America PAC is helping Republican candidates in seven battleground states and nearly three dozen House races, according to Reuters. The group's efforts include mobilising voters to support Republican candidates.

Musk also contributed $20 million (£15 million) to the Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC supporting House Republicans; $10 million (£7.5 million) to Lone Star Liberty PAC, which supports Texas Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton; and $10 million (£7.5 million) to the Republican Governors Association. A further $2 million (£1.5 million) went to the Republican Attorneys General Association.

The Texas Senate contest has been a particular focus of Musk's political spending. His contributions have helped make him the biggest known donor in this year's midterm elections, as per AP.

Congressional Control and Calls for Investigations

The elections will determine control of both chambers of Congress for the remainder of Trump's term. Republicans are defending their majorities as Democrats seek gains in the House of Representatives and Senate.

A Democratic victory in either chamber would give the party greater influence over legislation and congressional oversight. Reuters reported that House Democrats have called for investigations into SpaceX's government contracts and Musk's work leading the Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE.

The calls for investigations do not establish wrongdoing, and the reported donations do not establish Musk's reasons for supporting particular political groups.

Republicans have used their financial advantage to increase advertising in the closing weeks of the campaign. America PAC's voter-turnout operation adds a separate effort to reach voters directly.

A Reversal of Musk's Spending Pledge

The donations mark a change from Musk's statement in May 2025 that he intended to reduce his political spending.

'I think I've done enough,' he said at the time.

Musk's falling-out with Trump became public as he left his government role. He subsequently raised the possibility of forming a third party, prompting questions about whether he would continue financing Republican campaigns.

The two have since reconciled. Trump presented Musk with the National Medal of Science on 8 October, according to AP.

Musk's approximately $366 million (£274.5 million) in reported spending during the current election cycle exceeds the roughly $290 million (£217.5 million) he spent supporting Trump's return to the White House during the previous cycle.

Despite the increased spending, Musk has maintained a lower public profile than in 2024, when he appeared alongside Trump at campaign rallies. His involvement in the midterms has centred largely on financing political groups and voter mobilisation.

Republicans and Democrats Respond

Romeo defended the contributions as helping Republicans compete in a difficult electoral environment.

'These robust investments have allowed the G.O.P. apparatus to get its message out so Republicans can have a fighting chance to defy history,' he told The New York Times.

Democrats criticised the scale of the spending. Lauren French, a spokeswoman for Senate Majority PAC, accused Republicans of injecting money into races to overcome dissatisfaction with their candidates, the president and the economy.

The Federal Election Commission publishes reported contributions and spending by federal candidates and political committees. The newly reported donations are expected to be disclosed in federal filings ahead of the 15 October deadline, as reported by the AP. Voting is scheduled for 3 November.