Internet users are baffled after Elon Musk seemingly moved to the state of Texas to escape left-leaning politics, but after the state historically flipped during last week’s midterm elections, he might not be getting the living experience he had hoped for.
Around six years ago, it was revealed that the tech giant moved to a new personal home and relocated his SpaceX business to Texas while pouring money into Republican political campaigns. Now, after the state elected a new Democratic governor and more, internet users are clapping back at his seemingly failed attempt to move to a state where his right-leaning politics and practices would be safe. Read more about his move and how the internet reacted to it backfiring below.
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Elon Musk Moved To Texas In 2020 Following Conflicts With Democratic Leadership
Billionaire Elon Musk officially announced that he had moved from California to Texas in December 2020, following months of speculation about his departure from the Golden State. At the time, the Tesla founder had become increasingly critical of California's business climate, arguing that its regulations and policies were making it harder for companies and entrepreneurs to thrive. Texas, meanwhile, offered a more business-friendly environment, including no state personal income tax.
The move also put him closer to two major projects for his companies: Tesla's Gigafactory outside Austin and SpaceX's Starship development facility in South Texas. He had previously threatened to move Tesla's headquarters out of California following disagreements with local officials over COVID-19 restrictions. During a 2020 interview, the tech mogul told The Wall Street Journal, "California has been winning for a long time, and I think they're taking it for granted."
Internet Users Think It's Karma That Elon's New Home State Just Elected A Democratic Governor
Now, more than five years after the billionaire made Texas his home, internet users are finding some irony in the state's latest political shake-up.
Texas, which has long been considered a Republican state, elected Democrat Gina Hinojosa as governor in the November 2026 midterms, ending more than three decades of Republican victories. The results also came after Elon reportedly poured millions of dollars into Republican campaigns in the state, including efforts to keep Governor Greg Abbott in office.
With Democratic leaders promising greater scrutiny of the billionaire's business dealings and political influence, some people online are pointing out the irony of him leaving one Democratic-led state for what he believed would be a reliably Republican alternative, only to find himself in a new Democratic administration.
"No matter how much you put effort into calculating and planning, the universe has got its own plan for you," commented an Instagram user.
"Go to Mars, bro," joked another. "That's the only place red now."
"This is embarrassing," a user wrote, as another commented, "Oh, the irony."
"Ain't karma something?" echoed a user.
"Run him out of the United States," a user suggested.
