Politics
Musk-linked PAC has spent more than $1 million in two pivotal Arizona House contests
America PAC has reported spending more than $1 million combined in Arizona’s 1st and 6th Congressional District races, including digital messages targeting Democratic candidates. The full tally may not be clear until after the election, as Musk’s operation focuses on voter turnout.
PHOENIX — Elon Musk’s America PAC has spent more than $1 million in two closely contested Arizona congressional races, adding outside financial muscle to contests that could help determine control of the U.S. House, according to federal campaign finance filings.
The spending is divided between Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, where Democrat Amish Shah is challenging Republican Jay Feely, and the 6th District in southern Arizona, where Democrat Joanna Mendoza is seeking to unseat Republican incumbent Juan Ciscomani. The PAC has reported spending more than $500,000 in each race, including on digital media and text messages criticizing Shah and Mendoza.
Musk has spent more than $276 million nationally to support Republicans seeking to retain control of the House and Senate. The Arizona amounts reported so far are a fraction of that total, and the final figure for the state could rise.
People familiar with the campaigns say Musk’s operation is concentrating on turning out Republican voters. Campaign finance lawyers say spending on turnout work may not have to be disclosed immediately, making the overall amount difficult to establish before the election.
The contests have drawn attention from national Republicans. President Donald Trump praised Musk at a campaign appearance in Bullhead City last week, calling him an “80% super genius.”
Arizona voters interviewed about the spending voiced concern about the role of wealthy outsiders in local races. One said campaign money should remain “local and grassroots,” while another warned that powerful people and corporations have too much influence.
With both districts considered toss-ups and potentially consequential in the fight for the House majority, the outside spending adds to the resources shaping how voters encounter the campaigns. But the reported filings offer only a partial snapshot of Musk’s effort in Arizona before voters cast their ballots.