(AmericanProsperity.com) – Driven by super PAC influence and overwhelming donations, the 2024 federal election is set to shatter spending records due to a staggering $16 billion in costs.
This sky-high figure highlights the increasing role of money in our democratic process, perhaps at the expense of the everyday American voter.
Nonpartisan research group OpenSecrets highlights that the 2024 election is on track to become the most expensive in U.S. history, potentially reaching $15.9 billion.
This eye-watering figure reflects an era where super PACs are expected to spend over $5 billion through media advertising and mail strategies.
Interestingly, this extreme spending gained momentum when Kamala Harris took the Democrat nomination.
With each election cycle seemingly outcosting the previous one, OpenSecrets Director of Research and Strategy Sarah Bryner noted that “increased spending by outside spending groups and costlier House and Senate races continue to drive the total cost of the federal election upward.”
The mega-rich continue to pour millions into election campaigns, with the top 10 individual donors contributing a staggering $599 million, which accounts for 7% of the total fundraising.
In contrast, small donors who contributed under $200 make up only 16% of total contributions, down from 22% in 2020.
This decline indicates a system that is increasingly biased toward those with the deepest pockets.
“There may be a saturation point where elections can no longer get more expensive, but we haven’t reached it yet,” said OpenSecrets Deputy Research Director Brendan Glavin. ”Super PACs and billionaires continue to spend more and more hoping to select our elected officials.”
Super PACs have been key in this money surge, spending significant sums to support candidates.
Make America Great Again Inc. has already spent over $239 million backing Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, whereas Future Forward has directed over $212 million toward Democrat candidates.
The difference in spending extends to congressional candidates as well. Democrats have outspent Republicans in the Senate by over $150 million.
This influence is visible with outside groups and billionaires who continue to spend beyond measure, which suggests there may be no current ceiling to U.S. election costs.
Even as election costs rise, small donors and everyday Americans only see a system that seems controlled by the wealthiest players, leaving many questioning the fairness and integrity of the process.
As Election Day nears, billions more are expected to flood into campaigns, feeding a cycle that benefits a select few while ignoring the average voter’s voice.
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