Elon Musk and DOGE Are on the Poll Tonight

Elon Musk and the White Home DOGE workplace will get early opinions from voters in a pair of elections in Wisconsin and Florida on Tuesday night time.

Wisconsinites will vote for his or her subsequent state Supreme Court docket justice, doubtlessly handing conservatives a slim majority — a race the place Musk, through PACs, has spent $12 million.

In Florida, President Donald Trump’s adopted house state, voters in a closely Republican Daytona Seashore-area congressional district will elect a substitute for former Rep. Mike Waltz. (A second particular election to interchange Rep. Matt Gaetz is just not anticipated to be shut.) Musk affiliated-groups spent no less than $87,000 within the state.

Mixed, they’re the most important races since Trump’s dominating 2024 efficiency — and since DOGE started its large federal value slicing efforts.

Tuesday night time carries different dangers.

Musk and GOP management worry a liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court docket will redraw the state’s congressional map, making it even more durable for Republicans to carry onto the US Home subsequent November.

A loss in Florida, past the speedy embarrassment, would additionally additional slim Speaker Mike Johnson’s skinny majority proper when Republicans are attempting to go Trump’s formidable tax and immigration plan. Even a slim win in Florida is mildly embarrassing, given Gov. Ron DeSantis used the district to launch himself to energy.

Democrats sense a chance and have made Musk a serious challenge in each contests. Musk introduced consideration to the Wisconsin Supreme Court docket race by donning a Cheesehead and freely giving $1 million checks.

Trump has steadfastly defended Musk to date, even hawking Teslas on the White Home garden. But when the GOP falters on Tuesday night time, a few of the blame, pretty or not, might be positioned on the toes of Musk.

Issues are starting to mount for Musk. Susceptible Home Republicans have begun to criticize the DOGE workplace extra regularly. Lawmakers of their house districts are getting an earful from voters at city halls about how grant and program cuts have an effect on their communities. And whereas he stays the world’s richest particular person, traders are souring on the considered having a Tesla CEO this near energy.

The most important threat for Musk is he can grow to be the worst factor conceivable to Trump: a loser.

Democrats flip focus to Musk

In Wisconsin, the state Democratic get together’s web site portrays Musk as a puppeteer of conservative Decide Brad Schimel, the GOP’s most well-liked selection within the formally non-partisan race. Liberal Decide Susan Crawford has included Musk’s pictures in assault adverts.

Polling reveals Musk is way extra unpopular than Trump. With the worldwide backlash in opposition to Tesla, Musk has grow to be the precise type of boogeyman opposing events crave to juice turnout in off-year elections.

Musk has made a splash in Wisconsin — and doubtlessly violated state legislation by providing a pair of $1 million checks to voters. (He did finally change his description of the giveaway, and a choose dominated the giveaway may proceed.)

Historical past reveals presidential events usually battle in midterm elections. Wisconsin and Florida will supply the White Home an early indication of the place issues are headed.

And, maybe, a change in path at an early fork within the highway.