Tesla’s Musk says he’s leaning towards DeSantis for president
2022.06.15 20:55
FILE PHOTO: Tesla CEO Elon Musk attends the Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory groundbreaking ceremony in Shanghai, China January 7, 2019. REUTERS/Aly Song/File Photo
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) Inc Chief Executive Elon Musk said he may support Florida governor Ron DeSantis for president in 2024, and predicted a “massive red wave” of Republican victories in the midterm elections in November.
Asked on Twitter (NYSE:TWTR) early Wednesday morning who he was “leaning towards” in the presidential election, Musk replied simply “DeSantis,” backing a conservative who is emerging as a top competitor to former president Donald Trump for the Republican nomination in 2024.
DeSantis’ governorship has been marked by his rejection of pandemic-related health restrictions, passage of a law limiting discussion of LGBTQ issues in schools, and feud with Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) over the law.
Asked about Musk’s support, DeSantis joked, “I welcome support from African-Americans, what can I say.” Musk, who is white, grew up in South Africa.
Musk also tweeted that he voted for Mayra Flores, a Republican who won a special election in a southern Texas Congressional district, unseating a long-time Democrat.
“I voted for Mayra Flores – first time I ever voted Republican,” Musk tweeted, responding to an article about her. “Massive red wave in 2022,” he added.
