Donald Trump is advancing a new set of economic and defense policies, while Elon Musk deepens his involvement in political campaigns—this week’s elections in Florida and Wisconsin are shaping up to be an early gauge of public sentiment.
The spotlight is on two key battlegrounds: a contentious congressional race in Florida’s sixth district, and a pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court election. Both contests are drawing national attention due to their high-profile backers and the broader implications for Trump’s agenda and Musk’s influence.
Florida’s Sixth District Becomes Unexpected Battleground
The resignation of Republican Congressman Michael Waltz, who joined the Trump administration, has left Florida’s sixth district open at a politically sensitive time. Though Trump won the district by 30 points, intra-party divisions and controversial candidates have made the race unusually competitive.
Donald Trump’s economic program has entered a defining phase, with his proposed “Liberation Day” scheduled to begin this week. The initiative marks the start of sweeping tariff increases, aimed at what the administration describes as restoring American manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports.
Alongside these trade measures, the White House is pressing Congress to pass what Trump has called “one big, beautiful bill” — a legislative package that combines tax cuts, increased defence spending, expanded oil production, and border security funding.
The economic plan has drawn both support and criticism, particularly among voters in traditionally conservative districts facing potential cost-of-living impacts.
In this context, the race to replace Congressman Michael Waltz in Florida’s sixth district has gained new national relevance. Republican Randy Fine, a state senator, has drawn scrutiny over inflammatory remarks about Muslim members of Congress.
His candidacy has also reignited internal party tensions, particularly with Governor Ron DeSantis, who previously held the same seat. According to Inside Washington, DeSantis and Fine have been at odds since the governor’s failed presidential campaign, with their rivalry playing out publicly in recent weeks.
On the Democratic side, Josh Weil has emerged as a prominent challenger, attracting endorsements from figures such as Bernie Sanders. Party officials, including newly-appointed Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin, have made appearances in the district, citing rising discontent over Trump’s economic direction and social policies.
According to the Federal Election Commission, Elon Musk’s America PAC invested over $100,000 in Florida races last week. The bulk of the funding — approximately $87,000 — supported Fine’s campaign, while over $20,000 went to fellow Republican Jimmy Patronis in Florida’s 1st district.
The level of outside spending has drawn attention to how Trump-aligned interests and corporate actors are shaping local electoral dynamics during a pivotal week for national policy.
Musk’s Involvement Sharpens Focus on Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
Simultaneously, attention has shifted to Wisconsin, where the outcome of a state Supreme Court election could reshape the state’s political landscape. With liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley retiring, the contest between liberal Judge Susan Crawford and conservative Brad Schimel is seen as decisive for control of the court.
Although officially non-partisan, the stakes are high. According to The Independent, Musk recently visited Wisconsin and contributed $2 million to Republican-leaning causes while publicly supporting Schimel.
Musk’s interest reportedly stems from a legal dispute involving Tesla’s request to open a dealership in the state — a matter that could come before the very court in question.
Democrats, led by state party chair Ben Wikler, have mobilised strongly in response. Wisconsin proved more resilient for Democrats in recent elections, with Senator Tammy Baldwin retaining her seat and legislative gains recorded despite Kamala Harris’s narrow loss in the state.
