Elon Musk participated in a double dose of American political history on Tuesday.
SpaceX and Tesla’s chief executive officer voted for Republican Mayra Flores in Tuesday’s special election for the 34th Congressional District seat in Texas, helping her flip a traditional Democratic stronghold.
Flores will become the first Mexican-born member of the House. At age 6, she immigrated with her family to the United States.
According to Fox News, the seat has been held by former Representative Filemon Vela for over ten years. Vela left early to pursue a career in lobbying.
Musk observed on Twitter that there was also some personal history involved, as it was his first time voting Republican.
“I voted for Mayra Flores – first time I ever voted Republican. Massive red wave in 2022, tweeted Elon Musk.
I voted for Mayra Flores – first time I ever voted Republican.
Massive red wave in 2022.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 15, 2022
Flores responded to Musk’s tweet, calling it “the icing on the cake.”
I woke up this morning still feeling surreal from everything that's happened over the last 24 hours. Earning Elon Musk’s vote was just the icing on the cake and I can't wait to work with his team! The American Dream is worth fighting for ?? @elonmusk#SaveAmerica #TX34
— Mayra Flores For Congress ??? (@MayraFlores2022) June 15, 2022
Flores also wrote that others who have grown tired of the Democratic Party should join the red wave.
Welcome to the Republican Party! We welcome all walk aways from all walks of life. The party of opportunity, prosperity, and freedom is here to stay. We look forward to working together and building a better future for all of America ?? ? #SaveAmerica #TX34
— Mayra Flores For Congress ??? (@MayraFlores2022) June 15, 2022
While tweeting on the subject of politics, Musk looked ahead to 2024 when asked he would support technology entrepreneur Andrew Yang, who unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for president in 2020 and also launched a failed campaign to be elected mayor of New York City.
Musk responded by bringing up Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, an emerging Republican star often touted as a potential contender for the presidency in 2024. Read more…