What to Know
Outside spending by groups like super PACs has exceeded $1 billion during the 2024 election cycle, doubling the pace of previous cycles, according to a new analysis by OpenSecrets.
By the Numbers
Key drivers of the bump in outside spending include super PACs backing 2024 presidential candidates like former President Donald Trump. His super PAC, Make America Great Again, Inc., leads with $125.1 million in spending since the start of the cycle. Future Forward and American Bridge 21st Century, the largest Democratic hybrid PACs, have spent a combined $74.7 million on the presidential race. Both super PACs pivoted to supporting Vice President Kamala Harris after Biden suspended his campaign last month.
Dig Deeper
Congressional races are also seeing significant investment from outside groups.
Americans for Prosperity Action, a super PAC linked to billionaire Charles Koch, spent $31.2 million supporting Nikki Haley in the Republican presidential primary before shifting focus to Congress. The super PAC has spent about $27.7 million to help Republicans maintain control of the House and regain the Senate.
Fairshake, a super PAC supporting crypto-friendly candidates, has spent another $45.7 million focusing on Senate and House races.
United Democracy Project, a super PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, has also poured millions into influencing 2024 elections. The AIPAC-aligned super PAC spent over $35.6 million on congressional races, aiming to unseat Democratic incumbents critical of Israel's military actions.
