America Pac, the Super Pac founded by Elon Musk, has deployed over $500,000 in New York’s 17th congressional district to support incumbent Republican Mike Lawler against Democratic challenger Cait Conley. The race in the Hudson Valley region is considered among the most closely watched contests that could influence control of the House of Representatives.
Most of America Pac’s spending has gone toward voter outreach initiatives including texting campaigns, printed materials, postage, and digital media services, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Musk has emerged as a major financial force in the current election cycle, having contributed more than $276 million to Republican groups and America Pac since early July, according to reporting by the New York Times. The Times report indicated this spending reflects broader efforts to mobilize Republican voters during a cycle when polling suggests the party faces headwinds, with voters expressing frustration over economic conditions.
The spending in Lawler’s district builds on prior support, with America Pac having spent more than $2 million to help re-elect Lawler in 2024. Conley, who previously served as head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, has framed the race around technology regulation, contending that Lawler is protecting Musk’s interests rather than advancing oversight of artificial intelligence. On the social media platform X, Conley stated that AI regulation should be a congressional priority but that Lawler is “standing in the way” due to his relationship with his financial backer.
Lawler’s campaign manager stated that the campaign has no control over independent expenditures by Super Pacs, citing legal restrictions that prohibit direct coordination between campaigns and outside groups.
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