Rep. Haley Stevens, a Michigan Democrat seeking a U.S. Senate seat, has faced scrutiny for keeping $50,000 in SpaceX PAC contributions collected between 2019 and 2024, despite positioning herself as a vocal critic of tech mogul Elon Musk. The Michigan Democratic Senate primary is scheduled for August 4, 2026, with Stevens competing against Abdul El-Sayed and Mallory McMorrow for the nomination.
Unlike other Democratic lawmakers who have donated their SpaceX PAC money to charity, Stevens has no plans to redirect the funds. Her campaign spokesperson did not directly address why she is keeping the contributions, a decision that stands in contrast to her public statements against what she has called “the Trump-Musk chaos agenda.”
Main Developments in the Michigan Senate Race
Stevens transferred more than $1 million from her House campaign funds to her Senate account last year, which included the SpaceX PAC contributions accumulated over five years. The aerospace company’s political action committee made its last donation to Stevens in April 2024, contributing $5,000 to her leadership PAC.
The congresswoman serves on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, a position that has put her in regular contact with commercial space industry matters. In February 2020, Stevens posted about meeting with SpaceX suppliers in Troy, Michigan, writing that she “sat down with SpaceX suppliers in Troy today to learn more about the Michigan manufacturers working to reach new frontiers in outer space.”
Stevens has also publicly praised SpaceX achievements. In March 2024, she celebrated “the successful launch of the world’s most powerful rocket — SpaceX’s Starship! The commercial space industry is continuing to take us to the moon, stars, and beyond!”
However, in April 2025, Stevens took a sharply different tone regarding Musk himself, telling the Washington Post that “the Trump-Musk chaos agenda is wreaking havoc on people’s lives.”
What We Know So Far
SpaceX PAC contributed a total of $50,000 to Stevens through both her House campaign fund and leadership PAC between 2019 and 2024. The contributions came before Musk became the world’s first trillionaire following SpaceX’s initial public offering.
Stevens campaign spokesperson Arik Wolk defended the congresswoman without directly explaining why she is keeping the SpaceX money. Wolk stated that “Haley fights for Michigan and only Michigan — and nothing will ever change that. That’s why she’s taken on Elon Musk and fought and delivered for Michigan manufacturing on everything from traditional auto lines to motorcycle plants and aerospace suppliers.”
SpaceX has not contributed to the campaigns of Stevens’ primary opponents, El-Sayed or McMorrow. The AIPAC-aligned United Democracy Project has spent $5.5 million to help Stevens through Monday.
At a Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee hearing in September 2024, Stevens offered comments on bureaucratic challenges, saying “As I’ve been listening to today’s hearing, what is clear and evident is that we are in a bureaucratic soup by no individual’s fault other than the lack of willingness to lead.”
What Happens Next
Michigan voters will decide the Democratic Senate primary on August 4, 2026. The winner will face former Rep. Mike Rogers, who is unopposed for the Republican nomination. Incumbent Democratic Sen. Gary Peters is not seeking re-election, creating an open seat contest.
The primary features three main candidates with distinct backing. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is backing Stevens. Sen. Bernie Sanders has endorsed El-Sayed, a former public health official. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Chris Murphy have endorsed state Sen. Mallory McMorrow. Streamer Hasan Piker has campaigned with El-Sayed.
Stevens worked in the administration of former President Barack Obama before her time in Congress.
How Other Democrats Have Handled SpaceX Money
Stevens’ decision to keep the SpaceX contributions contrasts with how other Democratic lawmakers have handled similar donations. Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois both donated their SpaceX funds to charity. Krishnamoorthi lost his primary in March 2026.
In the New Jersey governor race, Mikie Sherrill faced attack ads over $24,000 in SpaceX PAC donations. In March 2025, Sherrill donated the SpaceX money to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. Her primary rival, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, received $2,500 from SpaceX. In May 2025, a Gottheimer spokesperson stated that the money would be redirected.
McMorrow’s Past Comments on Musk Companies
State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, one of Stevens’ primary opponents, made comments about Musk’s companies in December 2021 during a podcast appearance. McMorrow said: “Elon Musk and his companies have received billions of dollars in tax incentives, investment, for Tesla, SpaceX. You know, I’m not arguing that those aren’t good things, but it’s a choice that we make as policymakers, and I think we need to incentivize and invest in childcare as well, because otherwise it’s never going to work.”
Those comments focused on policy priorities rather than criticism of Musk personally, representing a different approach than Stevens’ more recent direct attacks on the “Trump-Musk chaos agenda.”
Important Details About the Campaign Finance Timeline
The SpaceX PAC contributions to Stevens occurred over a five-year period from 2019 to 2024, with donations going to both her House campaign fund and her leadership PAC. The final contribution of $5,000 came in April 2024.
When Stevens transferred more than $1 million from her House campaign to her Senate campaign account last year, the SpaceX money became part of her Senate campaign resources. This transfer is a common practice when House members run for Senate seats.
The $50,000 total from SpaceX represents a small portion of the more than $1 million Stevens moved to her Senate account, but the donations have drawn attention given her public criticism of Musk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money did Stevens receive from SpaceX PAC?
SpaceX PAC contributed $50,000 total to Stevens’ House campaign fund and leadership PAC between 2019 and 2024. The last contribution was $5,000 in April 2024.
When is the Michigan Democratic Senate primary?
The Michigan Democratic Senate primary is scheduled for August 4, 2026. Stevens faces Abdul El-Sayed and Mallory McMorrow in the Democratic contest.
Who will Stevens face if she wins the primary?
The winner of the Democratic primary will face former Rep. Mike Rogers, who is unopposed for the Republican nomination. The seat is open because incumbent Democratic Sen. Gary Peters is not seeking re-election.
Did SpaceX donate to Stevens’ Senate campaign?
SpaceX PAC has not contributed directly to Stevens’ Senate campaign. The $50,000 in contributions went to her House campaign fund and leadership PAC between 2019 and 2024, before she launched her Senate bid.
Have other Democrats donated their SpaceX money to charity?
Yes. Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois donated their SpaceX funds to charity. In New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill donated her $24,000 in SpaceX money to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in March 2025.
The Michigan Senate race remains competitive as the August 4, 2026 primary approaches, with Stevens maintaining strong financial backing including the United Democracy Project’s $5.5 million in spending on her behalf. Whether the SpaceX money becomes a significant issue in the final weeks of the primary remains to be seen, as voters weigh the candidates’ positions and endorsements heading into the decisive vote.
