
October 12th, 2026
Elon Musk has quietly become the biggest known donor in this year's midterm elections.
Since July, he has given more than $276 million to help Republican majorities in Congress.
The New York Times first reported these numbers.
Andrew Romeo confirmed them.
He is a spokesperson for Musk's super PAC.
The money includes $158 million to the Senate Leadership Fund.
This is the main super PAC supporting Republican Senate candidates.
The Times called it one of the largest known political donations in American history.
Another $76 million went to America PAC, Musk's own super PAC.
It has built a major turnout operation.
Musk also gave $10 million to Lone Star Liberty PAC.
This group supports Ken Paxton, the Republican Senate nominee in Texas.
This is a big change.
Last May, Musk said he wanted to cut back on political spending.
He said he had done enough.
He has also kept a lower profile than in 2024.
That year, he appeared on stage with Trump at rallies.
He later had a falling out with Trump.
But the two have since made up.
Trump gave him the National Medal of Science last week.
Republicans now have a large financial advantage over Democrats.
That is a rare bright spot for a party facing possible losses.
Voters are frustrated with the president's performance, high prices and the unpopular war with Iran.
Romeo said the investments let the GOP "get its message out."
He said they give Republicans a chance to defy history.
Democrats accused Republicans of trying to buy the elections.
Lauren French of the Democrats' Senate Majority PAC said they are spending tens of millions.
She said this is to outrun their unpopular candidates, president and economy.
October 12th, 2026

Researchers leaving the US because of Trump's science funding cuts
Researchers leaving the US because of Trump's science funding cuts

Justice Department charges over 2 dozen in California operation against alleged noncitizen voters
Justice Department charges over 2 dozen in California operation against alleged noncitizen voters

Florida brings more charges against former Cuba president Raul Castro
Florida brings more charges against former Cuba president Raul Castro

Democrats gain support from AAPI adults as trust in Republicans falls, AP-NORC/AAPI Data poll finds
Democrats gain support from AAPI adults as trust in Republicans falls, AP-NORC/AAPI Data poll finds

What is Indigenous Peoples Day? A day to celebrate, protest and take back history
What is Indigenous Peoples Day? A day to celebrate, protest and take back history

Native athlete pride: Shiyazh Pete honored on Indigenous Peoples Day
Native athlete pride: Shiyazh Pete honored on Indigenous Peoples Day

U.S. military archbishop: Catholic soldiers should not serve on firing squad
U.S. military archbishop: Catholic soldiers should not serve on firing squad

New York Gov. Hochul wants an investigation into how Cornell handled a 2024 gang rape allegation
New York Gov. Hochul wants an investigation into how Cornell handled a 2024 gang rape allegation

Hurricane Rachel forms in Pacific Ocean but is not a danger to land, forecasters say
Hurricane Rachel forms in Pacific Ocean but is not a danger to land, forecasters say