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Republicans brush off concerns about Musk's political liability

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06.04.2025

Republicans are largely dismissing concerns about Elon Musk’s political liability in the wake of their loss in Wisconsin, where he played a central role.

Their views so far seem to be reflected by President Trump, who has stood by Musk even as the tech billionaire has emerged as Democrats’ main foil amid sweeping anger over federal cuts made under his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

While some members of the GOP acknowledged that Musk was at least a factor in their loss in the Badger State, they generally played down any negative impact he had and expressed doubt he would be a significant factor in future elections. Meanwhile, some argued his involvement was a net positive.

“I think, ultimately, Musk is a value added and the way that they're trying to do some of the creative outside-the-box thinking for low-prop Republicans or unactivated voters to get them to participate in these type of elections, I think, is great press,” said Jimmy Keady, a Virginia Republican strategist working on state legislative races this cycle.

Republicans lost a critical race on Tuesday after liberal candidate Susan Crawford defeated conservative Brad Schimel for an open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court — a race that saw record spending in a state Supreme Court election.

The party saw several smaller bright spots on Tuesday after voters handily passed a ballot measure in Wisconsin that adds photo ID requirements for voting into the state constitution.

Republican candidates also won two special elections for House seats in Florida, though experts noted both underperformed in their districts.

While Musk’s America PAC spent in two Florida elections, it was in Wisconsin where the tech billionaire invested heavily. Both he and Trump endorsed Schimel in the race, and Musk’s super PAC alone spent close to $13 million to support the conservative candidate.

Musk also flew to Wisconsin the........

© The Hill