GOP lawmakers fear that Musk-backed third-party candidates could act as spoilers in tight races, siphoning conservative votes and benefiting Democrats in critical contests. According to The Hill, Republican strategists note that third-party candidates have previously swung outcomes in both presidential and Senate elections. GOP lawmakers fear that Musk-backed third-party candidates could act as spoilers in tight races, siphoning conservative votes and benefiting Democrats in critical contests. According to The Hill, Republican strategists note that third-party candidates have previously swung outcomes in both presidential and Senate elections.