Musk's Super PAC dumps $800k into GOP midterm races

Elon Musk's super PAC unleashed its first major wave of midterm money, dumping huge sums into races where Republicans need a win just to keep control of Congress. From Aug. 19 through Aug. 31, America PAC spent just over $800,000 backing GOP candidates and fighting their Democratic opponents, that works out to roughly $70,000 every single day. The heaviest hitting came in the Texas Senate race. There, America PAC poured nearly $248,000 into supporting Paxton while opposing Talarico.

Republicans enter these midterms with a massive cash edge, yet they struggle to hold strong ground even in traditionally red states like Alaska, Iowa, Texas and Ohio according to Fox News' Power Rankings. Musk opening his wallet for the GOP, something that once seemed doubtful after his split with the president, could act as a much-needed lifeline as November looms. The bulk of this spending went toward printing expenses paid to Storytellers Group, a vendor specializing in direct-mail work. Over those 12 days, Musk spent $123,000 against Talarico and about $125,000 for Paxton based on the campaign finance filing released Wednesday.

This money helps Republicans, but it gives Democrats a fresh angle of attack in districts where resources are being deployed. Musk faces low favorability ratings among Americans, and his work with the Department of Government Efficiency proved unpopular too. Democrats running in these competitive races can now tie their opponents directly to the billionaire. Talarico has made fighting against billionaire interests a focal point of his campaign, a strategy that gains relevance now that Musk is wading into his race.

America PAC also spent a considerable sum in Maine's Senate race. They deployed roughly $135,000 against Democratic nominee Troy Jackson and about $35,000 to assist incumbent GOP Sen. Susan Collins. Collins has worked hard to distance herself from the Trump administration and national Republicans as she seeks re-election in a left-leaning state. Musk's spending could complicate that effort. Other races receiving money include Senate contests in Michigan, Ohio and New Hampshire plus several competitive House races in states like New York, Florida and Wisconsin.

GOP donors, fundraisers and lawmakers worry their current cash advantage may not be enough to deliver victory in November. They fear President Donald Trump might not deploy his $400 million political war chest aggressively enough.