Election financing in the United States is recognized as one of the key factors in political competitions. In the past two decades, there have been many changes in how campaign funds are raised and spent. These changes not only affect election outcomes but are also related to the formation of public perceptions of corruption and transparency in the political system.
Rising Costs and Increasing Competition
In 2024, over $9.5 billion was spent on congressional elections, showing a significant increase from $8.8 billion in 2020. However, considering the inflation rate, this increase is not truly significant. Nevertheless, looking back over the past decade, campaign costs have nearly doubled. This increase in costs is primarily due to the decreasing number of truly competitive seats in general elections, which has led to money being concentrated on fewer races.
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In each of the 468 congressional races, the candidate who spends the most wins over 90% of the time. Many of these races involve well-known candidates who are likely to win. In fact, these candidates typically attract more donations, not because they win, but because their chances of victory are high.
The Role of Financial Resources and Dependence on Local Supporters
In closer races, candidates who raise the most money usually have the greatest need for these financial resources. These candidates often face more serious challenges in facing reelection. Attracting donations from interest groups or wealthy residents of other states can help their campaign, but these supporters cannot vote. In contrast, donations from local residents represent genuine support for the candidate and are likely to result in these individuals voting for that candidate in the election.
Some candidates take pride in attracting support through small donations. For example, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Democratic representative from New York, has stated that her average donation is $21. Candidates who can garner support from ordinary people tend to lean more towards progressive or conservative ideologies.
Overall, understanding the impact of election financing and the related financial resources can lead to a deeper analysis of electoral policies and competitions. While money in politics may be seen as a sign of corruption, paying attention to details and various contexts can help distinguish real corruption from normal political practices.
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