Elon Musk is spending millions of dollars on ads to influence Michigan’s elections.

From the US Senate race to key congressional contests, the billionaire is going to bat for the state’s Republican candidates. But with so much money being thrown around by him, it’s worth asking—why so much support for these candidates?

Today, The ’Gander’s Kyle Kaminski takes a closer look at where Musk’s money is going and why you should be paying attention.

Plus: The latest on this weekend’s No Kings events.

Michigan governments conduct voting equipment tests (Michigan Public): Local governments are testing voting equipment ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm election, with a public test in Grand Rapids confirming that tabulators accurately counted ballots, including those with intentional errors.

Black leaders warn against Mike Rogers’ history with voting bloc (Michigan Advance): Black civic leaders criticized Republican US Senate nominee Mike Rogers this week over his past role in legislation that led to suppressing Black voters. Rogers’ campaign dismissed the news conference as political theater.

No Kings events slated for this weekend (Michigan Advance): Michigan organizers with the No Kings movement are planning 78 rallies, marches, and community gatherings Saturday to encourage residents to register and vote early ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The events mark a shift from large-scale protests toward voter participation.

(The ‘Gander TikTok)

Mike Rogers sent Michiganders a fundraising email this year with a line that you don’t usually hear from a US Senate candidate. He said: “When you stand with my Senate campaign today, you are directly shielding Elon Musk.”

Now Elon’s returning the favor. With less than a month until Election Day, the richest man on the planet is buying up ad space across Michigan again, amd some of what he’s trying to sell you isn’t exactly true.

Here’s the deal: Musk’s Super PAC, America PAC, has now spent about $3.4 million on Michigan’s US Senate race, boosting Rogers and attacking Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. It’s also spending in at least four Michigan congressional districts. That’s all part of nearly $20 million his PAC is spending nationwide. And so far, it’s mostly digital. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube.

Most of these ads tell you to check your voter registration, then pivot straight into attacking El-Sayed. One claims El-Sayed supports “sex changes for minors,” but it only cites a Fox News interview where El-Sayed specifically said that decisions about gender affirming care should be left to parents, doctors, and patients, not the federal government.

And here’s the kicker: Musk has done this before. In 2024, America PAC spent nearly $1 million to elect Republican US Representative Tom Barrett in the 7th District. Barrett flipped the seat by about 17,000 votes, and his own spokesman said, “We need more Elon Musks.” Since then, Barrett has backed tax breaks for data center developers and faster approvals for new projects.

Now, Musk is back, spending $68,000 against Barrett’s Democratic challenger, Will Lawrence. And that’s just to start, Musk plans to spend more. To be clear, nobody’s saying Barrett’s vote is actually for sale here. But let’s be real. Billionaires don’t spend twice on a guy who’s let them down.

And Barrett isn’t the only one. Musk is also throwing cash at the 4th, 8th, and 10th congressional districts this year to support Republican candidates like Bill Huizenga, Thomas Smith, and Michael Bouchard. And in the US Senate race, Rogers didn’t just ask for money to protect Elon. In that same fundraising email, he called the idea of Congress questioning Musk under oath a socialist retaliation plot straight out of Soviet Russia and communist Cuba.

But here’s the thing. There are 100 US senators, and they’re the people with the power to ask billionaires like Musk to answer questions under oath. Rogers wants to be one of them. He’s already promising not to ask. Musk is now spending millions to help him get there.

So what? Well, the richest man on the planet isn’t spending in Michigan because he loves our lakes. He’s spending here because Congress decides how his companies get regulated and taxed. And Michigan could very well decide which party controls Congress.

Get the full story in this edition of so what? Michigan.

Former President Barack Obama is backing Jocelyn Benson for governor, citing her plans to lower healthcare costs, build more homes, and guarantee every kid a quality education. (Photo Illustration/AP Photos/Paul Sancya and Alex Brandon)

By Kyle Kaminski

Ahead of Election Day, former President Barack Obama is weighing in on Michigan’s race for governor with a new video urging Michiganders to vote for Jocelyn Benson.

In the video, released Wednesday by Benson’s campaign, Obama zeroed in on one of the biggest issues weighing on just about every household in the state: the cost of living.

“At a time when families are paying more for just about everything, you need a governor who’s focused on making life more affordable for you, not helping the rich and powerful get further ahead,” Obama says. “You need a governor like Jocelyn Benson.”

By Abby Deatrick

No Kings: Vote Early is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, as a nationwide day of action ahead of the Nov. 3 election. This edition of No Kings will focus on boosting voter participation.

More than 80 events are planned across Michigan, including rallies, parades, walks to the polls, and gatherings rooted in civic engagement.

Here is a preview of events taking place in Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 17. Click here for a complete list.

Grand Rapids, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Rosa Parks Circle
135 Monroe Center St. NW

Hear from activists about the importance of casting your ballot, learn how to become an election protector, and commit to holding elected officials accountable once elected. 

Lansing, 12-2 p.m.
West Lawn of the Capitol grounds
100 N. Capitol Ave.

Gather at the Capitol building to learn how to vote early and how you can get involved in the election. The event will conclude with a parade on the sidewalks around the Capitol grounds.

Marquette, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
RSVP for location details

Bring your get-out-the-vote sign, listen to music, and volunteer to help voters check their registration, get answers to their voting questions, and make a plan to vote. Costumes are encouraged. 

Oak Park, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Parkwoods Plaza
10 Mile Road & Coolidge Highway, SE Corner

Join the community gathering centered on the importance of early voting, featuring music, speakers, food, community art, and activities for kids. The event will also provide packs of informational cards with early voting information to distribute to your neighbors. 

Traverse City, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Grand Traverse County Civic Center
1213 W. Civic Center Drive

Hear from guest speakers and enjoy live music, a spooky election–themed float parade, kids’ activities, and community booths.

📣 Have an event to add? Email Abigail Deatrick, The ’Gander’s state organizing coordinator, with details. Please send submissions at least one week before the event.

📬 Was this forwarded to you? Sign up to get This Week in Michigan Politics in your inbox every week.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with stories from Kyle Kaminski and Abby Deatrick. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

The ’Gander is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.