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Elon Musk Backs Kentucky Senate Candidate Nate Morris with $10 Million Donation
Published: 2026/01/19 13:14:15
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has donated $10 million to the Fight for Kentucky super PAC supporting Nate Morris, a Republican candidate vying for the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Mitch McConnell.This substantial contribution signals Musk’s increased involvement in the 2026 midterm elections and a renewed alignment with the Republican party.
Musk’s Return to the GOP fold
The donation comes after a period of friction between Musk and former President Donald Trump in 2025, during which Musk briefly considered a third-party presidential bid.However, recent interactions, including a November dinner with vice President Kamala Harris, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and former White House Deputy Chief of staff Taylor Budowich, suggest a reconciliation and a firm return to supporting Republican candidates.NBC News reported on the evolving relationship between Musk and Trump during the 2024 election cycle.
Musk has also made significant contributions to pro-House and Senate GOP super PACs, indicating a broader strategy to influence the midterm elections. He was the largest individual donor during the 2024 campaign,contributing nearly $300 million to pro-Republican causes,primarily supporting Donald Trump. OpenSecrets provides detailed data on campaign finance contributions.
Why Nate Morris?
Musk reportedly was impressed by Morris’s business background and anti-establishment platform during a recent conversation. Morris, a ninth-generation Kentuckian, is positioning himself as an alternative to the traditional political establishment, a message that resonated with Musk.Nate Morris’s X profile highlights his Kentucky roots and campaign messaging.
The connection is further strengthened by Senator J.D. Vance, who is close to Musk and considers Morris a personal friend. Morris also has endorsements from Senators Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and jim Banks (R-Ind.), and also MAGA podcaster Steve Bannon.
Morris’s Background and Campaign
Nate Morris founded Rubicon, a waste and recycling company, in 2008 with a $10,000 line of credit. Rubicon’s website details the company’s history and mission. He launched his campaign on Donald Trump Jr.’s podcast and is running on a platform that includes stricter immigration policies. Morris intends to largely self-fund his campaign through the May primary, supplementing Musk’s substantial donation.
