Big Money Rules Politics - And Is Fueling Its Own Backlash - Daily Dispatch 7/23/26

July 23
8 mins

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Episode Description

An analysis of the personal wealth of 15 first-time congressional candidates from Texas shows that only the rich can easily run for office, while Elon Musk dumps billions into GOP candidates and right wing PACs - and boorish billionaire behavior is fueling a growing populist backlash.

Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/07/22/texas-congress-delegation-net-worth-millionaires-2026-midterms/

San Antonio Express-News: https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/elon-musk-campaign-donations-texas-gop-abbott-22352250.php?utm_source=reddit

Paul Krugman: https://substack.com/home/post/p-208095884

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