Musk super PAC pours last-minute money into special Florida elections

Elon Musk’s super PAC is pouring last-minute resources into two special House elections in Florida as voters head to the polls next week to replace former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and White House national security adviser Michael Waltz.

America PAC is spending roughly $10,200 each for GOP candidates Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine in texting services to boost both men, according to a federal campaign report filed on Monday.

Patronis, the chief financial officer in Florida, is running in Florida’s 1st Congressional District to replace Gaetz. He’s running against Democrat Gay Valimont, a gun violence prevention activist.

Fine, a state senator, is running in Florida’s 6th Congressional District to replace Waltz. He’s running against Democrat Josh Weil, public school teacher.

Both House seats are comfortably red, though Democrats have significantly outraised their GOP opponents. Some Republicans are warning the elections could be tighter than anticipated, though the party is still likely to win both special elections next Tuesday.

Musk’s involvement in the Florida special elections highlights how Republicans are looking to reduce the deficit in fundraising between the parties. Musk has also spent heavily in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race to boost conservative candidate Brad Schimel and oppose liberal candidate Susan Crawford.

Whoever wins the April 1 judicial election will determine the partisan tilt of the state’s high court. Liberal donors like George Soros and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker have also spent in the race.