Elon Musk has injected $5 million into a super PAC supporting Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign for governor of Ohio, signaling renewed political backing despite their earlier disagreements. This contribution reveals Musk’s ongoing, substantial financial involvement in this election cycle amid reports of strained relations between the two figures.
The donation went to V-PAC, a super PAC actively promoting Ramaswamy’s bid. V-PAC’s funding includes significant contributions from other wealthy donors, such as hedge fund investor Jeff Yass, who has given $20 million, and Bill Ackman, who contributed $1 million. Ramaswamy himself has invested $25 million of his own money, positioning him strongly in a key statewide race.
Musk’s political spending this cycle has been extensive, totaling at least $90 million. His largest investment was in a Kentucky Senate candidate, Nate Morris, although Morris withdrew after a heavy super PAC spending effort. Musk also backs multiple Republican candidates through various super PACs, including Trump-affiliated MAGA Inc., and operates his own America PAC, which had a lower profile after a failed judicial race last year.
The relationship between Musk and Ramaswamy has been notably complicated. Following their joint appointment by former President Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, Ramaswamy quickly exited the initiative before it began. Their differences centered on how to reduce the federal deficit: Ramaswamy favored deregulation and muscle on specific policies, whereas Musk advocated dismantling entire agencies. Private remarks from Musk reportedly criticized Ramaswamy sharply, underscoring their past friction.
Yet, Musk publicly endorsed Ramaswamy’s gubernatorial run on social media earlier this year before making the financial commitment. The sizable donation marks a thaw in their frosty relationship and highlights Musk’s strategic focus on the midterms despite previous disenchantment with Republican politics.
Ramaswamy’s November race against Democrat Amy Acton, a former state health official, is expected to be fiercely competitive. With strong financial backing and Musk’s renewed support, Ramaswamy aims to capitalize on Ohio’s recent conservative trend to secure the governorship.