Elon Musk: Because Texas Politics Didn't Have Enough Drama

In a move that screams, "Let's make Texas politics even more of a dumpster fire," Elon Musk has dropped a cool $1 million into the laps of Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR). Because, you know, backing Republicans in battleground legislative races is just what the doctor ordered.

The tech mogul, who's been dipping his toes into national politics like it's a hot tub, launched a PAC for Trump and has been using his social media site, X, to boost the former president. But now, Musk is bringing the party to Texas. Lucky us.

Campaign finance filings revealed this week that Musk is getting cozy with Texas, announcing the move of X and SpaceX headquarters from California to Texas. SpaceX already has a rocket launch facility near Brownsville, and Tesla has been chilling in Austin since 2021. Oh, and let's not forget Musk's plans to start a new university in Austin through one of his charities, because why not?

But here's where it gets spicy. TLR, once the darling of the right for making it harder to sue businesses, has recently been dragged by Attorney General Ken Paxton and his hardline allies. They believe TLR had a hand in Paxton's impeachment last year. Paxton and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, both Trump BFFs, are not fans of TLR supporting Republican House Speaker Dade Phelan and his crew. TLR insists it had nothing to do with Paxton's impeachment and supports candidates based on their stance on civil justice issues. Riiiight.

Musk's $1 million donation made up over a third of TLR's $2.9 million haul from July 1 through late September. Miriam Adelson, the Las Vegas Sands casino queen and major GOP donor, chipped in $500,000. TLR reported nearly $34 million cash on hand at the end of the reporting period. Cha-ching!

In August, TLR promoted Musk’s move to incorporate Tesla in Texas as a sign that Texas’ newly created business court system is ready to take on Delaware. Because that's what Texas needs—more business-friendly courts.

And let's not forget Musk's failed attempt to oust Travis County District Attorney José Garza in the Democratic primary. He secretly funded a group called Saving Austin, which spent over $650,000 on ads against Garza's progressive policies. Musk has been vocal about his disdain for progressive prosecutors backed by billionaire Democratic donor George Soros. Because heaven forbid we try to overhaul the criminal justice system.

The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs and engages with Texans about public policy, politics, government, and statewide issues. And apparently, we also report on billionaires playing politics.