Former president Barack Obama joined Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed at a rally in Detroit, where he joked about the candidate's muscular arms. Obama said the two men share a campaign focus on change and breaking boundaries, and that both have faced racism and questions about their names. Obama also dismissed claims that El-Sayed is radical, asking how wanting universal health care and affordable housing could be considered so. El-Sayed leads recent polls only within the margin of error, and he won just 31 per cent of Black primary voters in Detroit.
Elon Musk has become the biggest known donor for this US midterm cycle, giving about $US442 million to Republican groups while staying off the campaign trail. Forecasters say Democrats are likely to win the House of Representatives, and control of the Senate is a toss-up. If Democrats gain power in Congress, they have said they will pursue investigations into Mr Musk's dealings, including the restriction of Starlink and Starshield services to Ukraine. Mr Musk could be called to testify or produce documents, and Congress could limit government contracts with his companies.
Elon Musk’s America PAC is spending heavily on attack ads against Democrats in key US Senate races. The group has spent almost three times more attacking Democrats than supporting Republicans. In Texas, it has spent $9.4 million opposing Democrat James Talarico and $1.8 million backing Republican Ken Paxton. In Ohio, it has spent $3.3 million against Democrat Sherrod Brown and $1.6 million supporting Republican Jon Husted. In Iowa, it has spent $1.5 million attacking Democrat Josh Turek and $100,000 supporting Republican Ashley Hinson.
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With four weeks until the US midterm elections, analysts predict a Democratic landslide. Polls show the Democrats leading nationally and in key Senate races, including Texas and Ohio. Trump's declining approval ratings and unpopular policies have weakened the Republican position. A Democratic victory could trigger investigations into Trump's actions, including his war in Iran and personal corruption. However, Trump's resistance and the constitutional limitations may hinder significant changes.
