Today’s installment of campaign-related news items from across the country.
* Republican megadonor Elon Musk recently conceded that he “got a little too involved in politics, got carried away, frankly.” Just days later, the billionaire opened the door to getting carried away again in politics.
Musk, who spent nearly $300 million on the 2024 campaign, suggested last summer that he was prepared to invest in a new third political party to challenge Republicans and Democrats. Roughly a year later, The New York Times reported he’s resurrecting his super PAC and making plans to spend between $100 million and $120 million to help GOP candidates in at least eight swing states.
With 95 days remaining before Election Day, Republicans already had a significant financial advantage over Democrats. Musk’s reported plans for a nine-figure investment on the GOP’s behalf suggests Democrats might have public sentiment on their side for now, but they’re poised to face a flood of money designed to achieve a single goal: keep Republicans in power.
* In Wisconsin’s head-spinning gubernatorial race, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes unexpectedly suspended his Democratic campaign on Thursday afternoon. His decision to exit the race came as the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel continued to report on allegations that Barnes used his position to pursue sexual relationships with young adult women. (Barnes’ campaign issued a statement saying, “There are no allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing against Mandela.”)
* In related news, the day before Barnes walked away from Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race, the latest Marquette Law School Poll showed state Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, leading the field of Democratic primary candidates with 38% support. Primary Day in Wisconsin is Aug. 11.
* In Texas’ closely watched U.S. Senate race, the latest Fox News poll found Democratic state Rep. James Talarico leading Republican state Attorney General Ken Paxton by three points. Among highly motivated voters who are certain to cast ballots in the fall, Talarico is ahead by six points.
* On a related note, Paxton is reportedly struggling with fundraising — a problem that Talarico does not appear to have.
* Though Donald Trump won Pennsylvania twice (in 2016 and 2024), Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro just launched a new ad slamming his opponent, Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, over her ties to the president.
* In North Carolina’s closely watched U.S. Senate race, the latest Fox News poll found Democratic former Gov. Roy Cooper leads former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley, 53% to 44%.
* And in case the latest national CNN poll didn’t already offer enough bad news for Republicans, the survey also found Democrats with an eight-point advantage on the generic congressional ballot. Among those who say they’re extremely motivated to vote, Democrats enjoy a 20-point advantage.
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