Elon Musk has become as much of a political liability as an asset for Republicans as his full-time role at the White House winds down and midterm chatter ramps up.

While Musk brings with him loads of cash and online clout that could be tempting for GOP candidates on the campaign trail, strategists and Democratic lawmakers are banking on his contentious status bringing new risks to 2026 congressional races.

“No matter how much time passes between now and the midterm elections, even if Elon Musk were to separate himself from DOGE tomorrow, it would be really difficult for voters to not remember the impacts,” said Democratic strategist Basil Smikle, referring to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

“Democrats will continue to remind voters of that history,” he added

Should Musk prove an active presence on the campaign trail as Republicans attempt to defend their House and Senate majorities, political observers predict he will be in a drastically different ecosystem than last July when he endorsed President Trump’s reelection campaign.

Musk's political evolution

Musk’s endorsement of Trump was a major shift for the tech billionaire, who previously vowed to stay out of politics. He poured more than $250 million into Trump’s reelection, appeared at multiple campaign stops and repeatedly touted GOP candidates up and down the ballot on X, the social media platform he purchased in 2022.

In the weeks leading up to and after the election, Musk’s digital presence and status as the world’s richest person made him an appealing figure to have in the GOP’s corner.

“He’s proven himself to be loyal to the GOP, not just to Trump,” GOP strategist Chris Johnson told The Hill.

Musk publicly said earlier this year his America PAC will be involved in the midterms, though it is not clear exactly what races it will back, or the extent to which Musk will be on the trail. America PAC declined to comment.

But his increased adoration from the right came with mounting scrutiny from the public over his........

© The Hill