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Trillionaire Elon Musk has poured at least $276 million (around Rs 26,343 crore) into Republican groups and his own political action committee since July, emerging as the biggest known donor in the November 3 US midterm elections.
Musk's total political spending in the 2026 election cycle has reached approximately $366 million (Rs 34,976 crore), as he seeks to help Republicans retain control of Congress despite growing challenges for President Donald Trump's party, as per a report by Reuters.
The donations, confirmed by a spokesperson for Musk's America PAC, include $158 million (Rs 15,103 crore) for the Senate Leadership Fund, a political action committee that supports Republican Senate candidates. Another $76 million (Rs 7,265 crore) went to America PAC, while $20 million (Rs 1,912 crore) was donated to the Congressional Leadership Fund, which backs Republicans in House races.
Musk also gave $10 million (Rs 956 crore) to Lone Star Liberty PAC, which supports Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's Senate campaign, and another $10 million to the Republican Governors Association. The Republican Attorneys General Association received $2 million (Rs 191 crore).
The latest donations mark a renewed push by Musk to support Republicans, despite his earlier indication that he would reduce political spending. In May 2025, Musk said he planned to do less, adding, "I think I've done enough."
Musk spent nearly $290 million (Rs 27,721 crore) during the 2024 election cycle, helping Trump win the presidency. He later joined the administration to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cost-cutting initiative, before leaving the role following a public falling-out with Trump over the president's domestic policy legislation.
The two have since reconciled, with Trump presenting Musk with the Medal of Science last week.
WHY MUSK’S DONATION MATTERS
The money comes at a crucial time for Republicans, who are trying to retain their majorities in Congress ahead of the November 3 midterms. Democrats are seeking to win control of the House and Senate, with several closely contested races expected to play a key role in determining the balance of power.
Musk's donations are particularly significant in the Senate contest in Texas, where Paxton is facing Democratic state Representative James Talarico. The state has not elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994, but the race has drawn considerable attention and campaign spending.
The Senate Leadership Fund has committed more than $100 million to the Texas contest, according to a CNN report. Musk's contribution could further strengthen Republican spending in the state.
His America PAC is also supporting Republican candidates across seven battleground states and nearly three dozen House races, as per the Ruters report.
The donations come as Trump steps up campaigning in states where Republicans face competitive Senate races. The president is set to visit Ohio, Alaska, Arizona and Montana as Republicans try to hold on to control of Congress.
Republicans have a substantial financial advantage over their Democratic rivals, but the party is also facing voter frustration over high prices and the war with Iran. Musk's spending is therefore a major financial boost for the party as it heads into a closely watched election.
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