2022 Midterms: Why This Election Is More Expensive Than Ever Before
Political analysts predict that the 2022 US midterm elections will be the most expensive yet. The Democrats and Republicans are pouring millions of dollars into the campaign to woo voters. Both parties want to control the house of Congress, and they can only do so if they have the majority. According to studies, the 2022 campaign is set to surpass the 2018 campaign spending. In 2018, the candidates spent about $3 billion. In 2022, the candidates are set to spend around 3.5 billion dollars. The experts predict that spending will increase as the elections approach. The elections usually take place after Labor Day. Pennsylvania is the state which has spent the highest so far in campaigns. The state has spent over $80 million.
What Has Contributed To The Recent High Spending
The first reason for the unprecedented spending is the availability of funds. Republicans have utilized online fundraising platforms like WinRed, while the Democrats have been relying on small donations through platforms like ActBlue. In addition, the Republicans benefit from the generous contributions of their wealthy supporters. According to Ridout, the co-director of the Wesleyan Media Project, most supporters are willing to give vast amounts of money since they perceive the midterm elections as “the end of the world if the other party wins.” Traditionally, Democrats have over the years criticized the Republicans for depending on wealthy donors to fund their campaigns. However, the Democrats have since changed tune and are also depending on wealthy donors to fund their 2022 campaigns. The embrace of these wealthy donors by the Democrats has also contributed to the increased campaign spending.
Another factor contributing to the increase in campaign spending is the need by both parties to control both chambers of Congress. According to experts, the country has experienced political polarization in the recent past. Therefore, parties are coming up with more sophisticated campaigns, which cost more, to try and woo their supporters to come out in large numbers and vote for one of their own.
Copyright 2022, NRPI.org
