From The Straits Times · · 1m 10s
Republicans bet Musk’s millions can rescue Texas’ Ken Paxton
Elon Musk’s $158m donation fuels Texas Senate race to save Ken Paxton.
In brief
Elon Musk’s $158m donation fuels Texas Senate race to save Ken Paxton. Elon Musk’s $158 million contribution to Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton’s campaign may help him overcome Republican spending challenges in the November election. Originally reported by The Straits Times.
Texas Senate race
Republicans bet Musk’s millions can rescue Texas’ Ken Paxton in US Senate race.
Paxton’s impeachment
Texas Attorney-General Ken Paxton was impeached by the Republican-controlled Texas House in 2023 on abuse-of-office allegations but was acquitted by the state Senate.
Musk’s $158m contribution
Elon Musk contributed $158 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, which transferred matching sums to Texas PAC.
Republican spending surge
Republicans have spent more than US$500 million overall, with heavy use of culture-war ads to boost turnout.
Talarico’s grassroots fundraising
James Talarico raised US$64 million from July to September, more than triple Paxton’s total.
Culture-war ad attacks
Texas PAC ads claim Talarico supports taxpayer-funded sex-change surgeries for minors.
Paxton’s fraud cases
Paxton faces renewed scrutiny over past impeachment and fraud cases, which he denies.
Voter sentiment
Polls show few undecided voters remain, with Republicans struggling to turn out their base.
In short
Elon Musk’s $158 million contribution to Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton’s campaign may help him overcome Republican spending challenges in the November election.
