How Elon Musk gained so much power over U.S. security interests

In the competitive 17th congressional district race in New York, incumbent Republican Mike Lawler is battling Democratic challenger Cait Conley. America Pac, a Super Pac founded by Elon Musk, has contributed over $500,000 to help Lawler retain his seat, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Most of the funds have been allocated towards voter outreach, including text messaging, printing, postage, and digital media services.

Musk, who is the biggest donor to Republican candidates during this midterm cycle, has spent millions of dollars on conservative candidates, including $276 million to Republican groups over the past year. This spending aims to sway disgruntled voters towards the conservative party. Recent polls indicate that Republican candidates are facing a slight disadvantage this cycle due to frustration over living costs under President Donald Trump.

Cait Conley, Lawler's Democratic opponent and former head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, has accused Lawler of protecting Musk's interests over regulating artificial intelligence. Conley argues that AI poses a significant threat to the safety and security of the American people, and it's time for Congress to take action to regulate it.

However, Lawler's campaign manager, Ciro Riccardi, emphasized that they have no control over the spending by America Pac or any other outside groups, citing laws that prohibit campaigns from coordinating directly with Super Pacs.