Elon Musk Makes Historic Play to Keep McConnell’s Senate Seat in GOP Hands

Elon Musk has made his most aggressive move yet in national Republican politics, pouring an unprecedented sum into the race to replace retiring GOP Sen. Mitch McConnell and signaling a broader strategy to defend the party’s Senate majority.

According to a report from Axios, Musk has donated a “stunning” $10 million to support Kentucky businessman Nate Morris, who is competing in the May Republican primary. The contribution marks the largest donation the tech billionaire has ever made to a Senate candidate, underscoring the seriousness of his involvement.

Axios reported that Musk became fully committed to Morris after meeting him, noting that the two share a mutual acquaintance in Vice President J.D. Vance.

The report said Musk is pleased to back a candidate who views himself as as “anti-McConnell,” a framing that resonates with grassroots conservatives eager for a break from the Senate’s old guard.

Musk’s decision is widely being interpreted as a sign that he is prepared to spend freely to help Republicans protect their narrow congressional majority. In 2024 alone, Musk donated $300 million to various Republican campaigns, according to Axios, with the bulk of that funding directed toward President Donald Trump’s successful election bid.

Although Musk and Trump were close allies throughout Trump’s campaign and the early months of the Trump administration, the two men experienced a highly publicized falling out in mid-2025. That rift appears to have cooled following a November meeting involving Musk, Vice President Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich — a meeting that reportedly led to a noticeable shift in tone and cooperation.

Morris has positioned himself firmly in line with core conservative priorities, including a strong crackdown on illegal immigration. He also received support from conservative activist Charlie Kirk prior to Kirk’s death in September.

The Kentucky businessman officially launched his Senate campaign during a June appearance on “Triggered,” a podcast hosted by Donald Trump Jr.

Morris has since earned endorsements from Republican Sens. Bernie Moreno of Ohio and Jim Banks of Indiana, adding to his growing credibility within the conservative movement.

The race remains competitive. Republican Rep. Andy Barr of Kentucky is also vying for the seat and has raised more than $6 million so far, according to the New York Post. By comparison, Morris had reported $1.5 million in fundraising prior to Musk’s massive contribution.

Former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron is also seeking the GOP nomination, setting the stage for a crowded and high-stakes primary.

As Axios noted, President Donald Trump has not yet issued an endorsement in the race, leaving open the possibility that the contest could become a defining battle over the future direction of the Republican Party in the Senate.