The non-partisan OpenSecrets website, which tracks political spending, projects the 2018 midterms will cost $5.2 billion, as Democrats outspent Republicans by $330 million.
Through the middle of October, Federal Election Commission (FEC) campaign filings disclosed that $4.7 billion had already been spent on the 2018 midterms, and spending was on track to hit $5.2 billion by November 6. That would make the 2018 midterms over a third higher than the $3.8 billion for the 2014 midterms, and more than triple the $1.6 billion in 1998.
Executive Director for the Center for Responsive Politics Sheila Krumholz commented: “The significance of this election is clear. But whether it’s a blue wave or a red wave, one thing is certain: A wave of money is surging toward Election Day, much of it coming from the wealthiest donors targeting this year’s most competitive races.”
Over the prior five congressional midterms, Republicans spent slightly more than Democrats in each cycle. But 2018 Democrat congressional candidates are projected to spend more than $2.53 billion, versus about $2.20 billion for Republican candidates. – READ MORE