
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 try to save Republican majorities in Congress.
The numbers were first reported by the New York Times.
They were confirmed by Andrew Romeo, 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.
That group supports Ken Paxton, the Republican Senate nominee in Texas.
This is a dramatic turnaround.
Last May, Musk said he intended to cut back on political spending.
He said he had done enough.
He has also kept a lower profile than in 2024, when he appeared on stage with Trump at rallies.
He later had a falling out with Trump, but the two have since reconciled.
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 bracing for possible losses.
Voters are frustrated over 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 to outrun their unpopular candidates, president and economy.
October 12th, 2026

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