Elon Musk founds new party and encounters massive hurdles

Despite growing dissatisfaction with the political establishment, smaller parties remain clearly disadvantaged in the US electoral system.

The Dominant Two-Party System in the USA

In the USA, the two-party system traditionally dominates: Democrats and Republicans hold nearly all seats in Congress, the Senate, and at the state level. Current polls – such as Gallup 2024 – show that over 60 percent of US citizens want a strong third party. The most well-known alternatives include the Green Party, the Libertarian Party, and the Constitution Party. However, their influence remains minimal. Even in presidential elections, they barely achieve more than half a percent of the votes.

How the Electoral System Disadvantages Smaller Parties

A central reason lies in the electoral system: In the USA, the principle of relative majority voting applies. Whoever receives the most votes in a district wins – all others come away empty-handed. Thus, each vote only counts for the winner, which strategically usually means a decision for one of the two major candidates. In the presidential election, the electoral college system ("winner takes all") amplifies this effect: Whoever wins a state receives all its electors.

High Barriers and Lack of Resources

Additionally, there are high formal barriers for new parties. To even be allowed to run, they must demonstrate certain numbers of supporters in each state – an organizational and financial challenge. Since political campaigns are largely financed through private donations, major donors prefer established parties with realistic chances of success.

Elon Musk Enters Politics with His Own Party

Elon Musk is giving it a try. The tech billionaire has founded a new political force with the "America Party." Unlike many small parties, he has virtually unlimited financial resources. Politically, he could also exert influence – for example, as a counterforce to the Republicans, with whom he recently broke ties. Even before the Midterms 2026, Musk announced plans to specifically oppose candidates who had supported previous tax and spending laws.

Lots of Money, Little Chance of Success

Whether this will translate into real political power remains to be seen. However, the structural imbalance in the US electoral system is not eliminated even by billions in wealth.

Other Parties in the USA

In addition to the Democrats and Republicans, there are a multitude of other parties in the USA. The most well-known so-called "Third Parties" are:

In addition, there are numerous smaller and regional parties, for example:

Moreover, independent candidates who do not belong to any party frequently run for office.

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