Key facts
- A Super PAC backed by Ken Griffin spent $4.9 million to support Republican Ashley Moody in Florida's US Senate race.
- The Super PAC, Stronger Safer Nation, was formed for the sole purpose of supporting Moody.
- Election forecaster Nate Silver puts the odds of Democrats taking control of the House at over 92.3% and the Senate at 72.6%.
- Ken Griffin donated $2.5 million to Stronger Safer Nation in May.
- Moody was appointed to the seat in January 2025 after Marco Rubio became secretary of state.
A Super PAC backed by hedge-fund billionaire Ken Griffin has spent nearly $5 million to support Republican Ashley Moody in Florida's US Senate race, signaling a broader effort by GOP donors and leaders to defend seats amid concerns about President Donald Trump's waning popularity.
Republicans are increasingly worried about losing control of the Senate in the upcoming midterm elections, prompting significant financial backing for races that were previously considered secure. The spending on Moody's behalf is a clear indication of this shift, with internal party data suggesting vulnerability even in districts Trump won by substantial margins in 2024.
Stronger Safer Nation, the Super PAC in question, has raised approximately $12 million and has exclusively focused its spending on supporting Moody. Aaron Whitehead, a strategist for the PAC, stated that its formation was specifically for this purpose. The Senate Leadership Fund, aligned with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, also provided late support with a $30,000 contribution.
Election forecaster Nate Silver estimates a high probability of Democrats gaining control of both the House (over 92.3%) and the Senate (72.6%). Nixon's campaign manager, Eunic Epstein-Ortiz, criticized the influx of billionaire funding, characterizing it as a frantic response to their "people-powered movement."
Griffin, a prolific Republican donor, has maintained a lower profile this election cycle compared to previous ones, donating $32.3 million to federal races so far. He recently announced plans to donate $3 billion to Carnegie Mellon University, including funding for a campus in Miami.