Musk gives at least $445m to Republican groups ahead of midterms

Elon Musk has donated at least $445.77m to Republican-aligned political groups since last year, making him the largest single-cycle political donor in modern US history. His spending is intended to help Republicans retain control of Congress in the midterm elections, despite polls pointing to a possible Democratic majority, and shows the growing influence of wealthy donors in US politics.

Federal Election Commission data puts Musk’s largest contribution at $216m to his own America PAC, which has targeted 43 House and Senate races. In Texas, the PAC has spent more than $33m supporting Republican Ken Paxton, while Musk separately gave $168m to the Senate Leadership Fund, which backs Paxton. America PAC has also spent $28m on attacks against Democratic candidate James Talarico; Musk’s total rose by about $200m in the final two months of campaigning.