A new wave of corporate-backed spending in Texas judicial races has significantly impacted the state’s intermediate appellate courts, with a major influx of funding driving the election of right-wing judges. The spending, led by a $2 million donation from billionaire Elon Musk, has brought nearly $18 million into the Judicial Fairness Political Action Committee (PAC), which helped push Republican candidates to victory in contested races.
The involvement of billionaires and major corporations in judicial races, traditionally underfunded and marked by low voter awareness, has raised concerns about the influence of corporate interests in the judicial system. The spending helped Republican candidates unseat numerous Democratic judges and win key contested positions.
In addition to Musk’s contribution, other notable donors included Kenneth Fisher of Fisher Investments, Ross Perot Jr.’s Hillwood Development Co., casino giant Las Vegas Sands Corp., and TRT Holdings Inc. Each donated $1 million. These contributions have sparked debates about the growing role of corporate interests in judicial elections.
