Musk’s $158 million helps revive Paxton’s Texas Senate bid

Summary

Elon Musk gave $158 million to a group that quickly spent the same amount to help Ken Paxton’s Texas Senate bid, The New York Times reports. Axios says Musk’s team launched a rescue effort after polling suggested Paxton’s chances were sinking, and that an initial fundraising deal mobilized $20 million for television advertising. The Guardian reports tens of millions of dollars are flowing into the closely watched race as Democrats seek to win a seat in the Republican stronghold, with Musk’s midterm spending mostly focused on Texas.

Timeline

1. Axios

   15 Oct 2026, 09:00 UTCSource ↗

   Axios reports that Musk’s team stepped in after polling suggested Paxton’s chances were sinking, and that an initial fundraising deal helped mobilize $20 million for television advertising.

2. The Guardian

   15 Oct 2026, 16:41 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that tens of millions of dollars are pouring into the Texas Senate race as Democrats make an ambitious bid to win the seat, and says Musk’s midterm spending has mostly focused on Texas.

3. The New York Times

   16 Oct 2026, 04:51 UTCSource ↗

   The New York Times reports that Musk gave $158 million to a group that quickly spent that amount to help Paxton’s Senate bid, making Musk the biggest known midterm donor.