Musk Donated $168 Million to Lose Texas Senate Race
Elon Musk poured over $168 million into efforts to back Ken Paxton, but Democrat James Talarico won the seat anyway.
By Amit Chukwu ·
James Talarico defeated Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race on Wednesday. The Democratic victor immediately pointed to the massive financial backing Paxton received from Elon Musk. Talarico told CBS Mornings that the result sends a clear signal to the billionaire. He stated, 'Texas is not for sale.' The new senator said the power in the state belongs to the people and must remain that way.
Musk donated more than $158 million in September to the Senate Leadership Fund PAC. That group is the primary super PAC supporting Senate Republicans in the midterms. The fund then sent that money to Texas PAC, which supported Paxton's campaign. Additionally, Musk's trust donated $10 million to the Lone Star Liberty PAC. That organization also worked to get Paxton elected to the Senate.
Talarico believes Musk wanted a personal senator who would follow his lead. The Democrat said the billionaire wanted a lawmaker to sell off Texas land for data centers. He also claimed Musk wanted a senator to give away Texas water and taxpayer dollars. Talarico noted his history of standing up to billionaires in state government. He said he plans to continue that work in the U.S. Senate.
The victory is part of a larger shift in the midterms. Democrats are projected to win 10 of 11 Senate races considered battlegrounds. They also took seats in several other key states. With these wins, Democrats will hold 54 seats in the next Congress. This gives them control of the upper chamber. Chuck Schumer of New York is expected to seek a second term as Senate majority leader.
Talarico called for a bipartisan approach to economic policy. He listed universal healthcare and education investment as top goals. He said Democrats must work with both parties to deliver for people in their state. He also argued that Americans are tired of tech owners using their platforms to divide the country.
The Democrat said these leaders divide people by party, race, and religion. He claimed this distraction helps them pick pockets and cut taxes for themselves. Talarico said he will meet with Schumer to hear his vision for the Senate and the country.
In other Texas results, Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa is projected to win the governor's race. She would become the first Democrat to win that office in more than 30 years. Greg Abbott was seeking a fourth term as governor.
