Musk's Super Pac backs Republican Lawler in New York race

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 21:08 · Archive

Elon Musk's Super Pac has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to support Republican Mike Lawler in a competitive New York congressional race.

Elon Musk's America Super Pac has spent more than $500,000 in New York's 17th congressional district to support Republican incumbent Mike Lawler against Democrat Cait Conley. The Guardian reports the figure at over $500,000, while the New York Post reports $600,000 in recent spending. The funds have gone to voter outreach efforts including texting, printing, postage and digital media.

Lawler, a moderate Republican based in the Hudson Valley, is facing what is described as a tough challenge in one of the most-watched races that could determine whether Republicans hold their congressional majority. Musk is the largest donor in the 2026 midterm cycle, having spent nearly $400 million overall and over $276 million since July, according to reporting cited by the Guardian.

Conley's campaign spokesperson accused Lawler of protecting Musk rather than regulating artificial intelligence, pointing to Lawler's vote on data centre tax breaks. Lawler's campaign spokesperson responded that by law the campaign cannot coordinate with Super Pacs over their spending. Conley's team also noted that outside groups supporting her, including teachers' unions and veterans' organisations, have spent nearly $6.5 million on her behalf.

How it is being reported

• Elon Musk opens wallet to aid NY Rep. Mike Lawler’s tough re-election bidElon Musk, the world's richest man, has tapped his wallet to help re-elect two-term Hudson Valley Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, who is facing a tough challenge from Democrat Cait Conley.New York Post · 22 Oct, 20:51
• Elon Musk’s Super Pac spends $500,000 to back New York Republican in midtermsIncumbent Mike Lawler is fending off a challenge from Democrat Cait Conley in state’s 17th congressional district US politics live – latest updates Elon Musk’s Super Pac has spent more than $500,000 in New York’s highly competitive 17th congressional district race to help Mike Lawler, the Republican incumbent, hold on to his seat. Lawler, a moderate Republican, is fending off a challenge from Democrat Cait Conley in the Hudson valley. It is among the most-watched races that could determine whether Republicans hold on to their majority in Congress. Continue reading...Guardian World · 21 Oct, 19:55

In this story: Elon Musk · Mike Lawler · Cait Conley · New York · America Pac · Hudson Valley

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