Musk pledges $120M to help GOP in midterms despite saying he got 'carried away' in 2024
WASHINGTON, DC: Elon Musk, a year after a bitter falling out with President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, is preparing to spend big once again to help keep the GOP in control of Congress this November.
The world's richest person has authorized his super PAC, America PAC, to spend between $100 million and $120 million on a new field program across at least eight states, according to two people briefed on the plans who spoke to the New York Times.
The move would substantially add to Republicans' already sizable advantage over Democrats in outside spending heading into the midterms, even as many Democratic candidates in competitive Senate races continue to outraise their GOP rivals individually.
Elon Musk expands America PAC strategy
America PAC is initially focusing on Senate races in Alaska, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, and Ohio. People familiar with the operation say the group is also considering expanding into North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas.
The PAC is also targeting several House races in California, Wisconsin, and Washington. Leadership has shared its ambitious nine-figure budget with other Republican groups, including Trump's super PAC, MAGA Inc, although MAGA Inc has not yet disclosed its planned midterm spending.
America PAC is also hiring door-knocking firms and coordinating closely with groups such as Americans for Prosperity, backed by the Koch network, and the Sentinel Action Fund.
Coordination among conservative groups on field operations has become increasingly common since a Supreme Court ruling in June made direct collaboration between party committees and candidates less costly.
Chris Young, who oversaw the group's major 2024 spending effort, has returned to lead the operation.
America PAC spokesperson Andrew Romeo said the group "expects to play a major role" in driving Republican turnout but declined to disclose the budget details. He did, however, promise a "huge investment" in door-to-door outreach, digital advertising, and direct mail.
"We're excited to again be part of the team," Andrew Romeo, the spokesperson for America PAC, told Reuters in a statement.
Elon Musk revives Republican political spending
With Trump's public approval ratings declining and voters expressing dissatisfaction with the economy, Republicans face an enthusiasm gap with Democrats, who are seeking to regain control of both chambers of Congress. Musk's financial support could provide a significant boost to Republican efforts to mobilize voters.
Musk's renewed political spending marks a notable shift.
He spent nearly $300 million backing Trump and other Republican candidates in 2024 before a highly publicized falling out with the party.
After stepping down from leading the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk spent months criticizing Trump's signature domestic policy bill and even suggested he might launch a third political party.
The rift, however, proved temporary. By last fall, Musk and Trump had repaired their relationship, and advisers quietly began preparing Musk for a return to political fundraising.
This election cycle, Musk is expected to maintain a much lower public profile than he did in 2024.
The change appears to stem from the backlash he faced after becoming heavily involved in a high-profile Wisconsin Supreme Court race in April 2025, where his preferred candidate ultimately lost.
Musk acknowledged he had gone too far, telling The Economist last week, "I think I got a little too involved in politics. I got carried away, frankly."
Campaign finance records show America PAC has already spent $52.3 million on races since the start of 2025. Musk has personally contributed more than $85 million toward the midterm elections. The spending comes as SpaceX continues to derive about one-fifth of its revenue from federal contracts.
