While Musk brings with him loads of cash and online clout that could be tempting for GOP candidates on the campaign trail, strategists and Democratic lawmakers are banking on his contentious status bringing new risks to 2026 congressional races.
“No matter how much time passes between now and the midterm elections, even if Elon Musk were to separate himself from DOGE tomorrow, it would be really difficult for voters to not remember the impacts,” said Democratic strategist Basil Smikle, referring to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“Democrats will continue to remind voters of that history,” he added
Should Musk prove an active presence on the campaign trail as Republicans attempt to defend their House and Senate majorities, political observers predict he will be in a drastically different ecosystem than last July when he endorsed President Trump’s reelection campaign.
Musk publicly said earlier this year his America PAC will be involved in the midterms, though it is not clear exactly what races it will back, or the extent to which Musk will be on the trail. America PAC declined to comment.
But his increased adoration from the right came with mounting scrutiny from the public over his role in the White House and push to shrink the government.
Under Musk’s leadership, DOGE has carried out mass layoffs at federal agencies, dismantled various government programs and gained access to Americans’ sensitive information.
“His name is now toxic,” Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) told The Hill. “We hear that across the political spectrum, except for a small group of Republicans who are still continuing to defend DOGE, but they know their constituents do not like that.”
Read more in a full report at TheHill.com.
