Who Finances the Battle for Congress?
by
Dr. Hardy Ostry, Chiara Stäbler
Campaign Finance and Political Priorities in the 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections
Just weeks before the 2026 midterm elections, hundreds of millions of dollars are flowing into the battle for control of Congress. Beyond candidates’ official campaign accounts, parties, super PACs, major donors, and interest groups are playing an increasingly influential role in shaping the political contest. The distribution of these funds provides valuable insight into which races are considered decisive for congressional majorities and which policy priorities attract the strongest financial support. At the same time, it highlights the complexity of the U.S. campaign finance system, where influence depends not only on the amount of money available but also on who controls its deployment. Examining campaign finance therefore adds an important dimension to the analysis of the 2026 congressional elections, complementing polling data and electoral projections.