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OpenSecrets.org

@opensecrets.org

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The most comprehensive, nonpartisan money-in-politics resource. Follow the money at opensecrets.org

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 20h

Despite pro-amendment groups outraising opponents $18M to $472K, FL voters appear set to reject a DeSantis-backed property tax constitutional amendment. Polls show the backed measure failing to reach the required 60% threshold. Read more: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/09...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 25/09/2026

Chart of the Week 📊: Outside groups are accelerating spending ahead of the midterms. While 7 "toss-up" Senate races have drawn at least $15M each in outside spending 9/1-/21, TX leads with $105M spent on the race btwn AG Ken Paxton (R) & state Rep. James Talarico.

Table showing the total of outside spending for the seven "toss-up" Senate races:
Texas - $105M
Ohio - $67M
Michigan - $47M
Iowa - $34M
Maine - $20M
New Hampshire - $16M
Alaska -$15M

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 24/09/2026

How does Connecticut track money in politics? We sat down with Ryan Burns, executive director and general counsel of Connecticut's State Elections Enforcement Commission, to discuss transparency, enforcement & reporting. Full interview: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/09...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 23/09/2026

Ever wonder about that $3 checkbox for the Presidential Election Campaign Fund when you file your taxes? Barely 3% of taxpayers tick the box, major candidates skip the fund & Congress diverted $300M+ to other needs. Full story: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/09...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 21/09/2026

Your weekly newsletter for money in politics. We break down who’s buying influence and why it matters. 📩 Sign up to follow the money: www.opensecrets.org/newsletter/s...

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 18/09/2026

📺"Widow's Bay" took home 14 Emmys Monday, 1/2 of Apple TV's 28 wins. Curious how the winners stack up on K Street, we totaled their lobbying spend for H1 '26. No correlation to Emmy wins, just a fun look at the numbers. More: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/09...

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 17/09/2026

#ConstitutionDay📜 is a reminder that our democracy only works when people can see who's funding it. Transparency in money and politics is essential to upholding the ideals of our founding.

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 16/09/2026

A House race in rural California has become one of the most competitive & expensive in the country, shaped by opposing stances on corporate money. Randy Villegas has vowed no corporate PAC $, a contrast to Rep. David Valadao. Read more: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/09...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 15/09/2026

Today marks #InternationalDayofDemocracy & #NationalVoterRegistrationDay, a reminder that democracy depends on informed citizens, fair elections & institutions people can trust. Transparency is a key piece of that, so join us in following the money: www.opensecrets.org

Photo of the US Capitol and language that reads:
Celebrate International Day of Democracy
Follow the Money
OpenSecrets

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 15/09/2026

1/ During one week in early September, Sen. Susan Collins, a joint fundraising committee and a super PAC backing her each bought airtime on a Maine TV station during Wheel of Fortune. Collins & her JFC paid $2,200 per spot; the super PAC paid $10K - over 4x as much.

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 14/09/2026

Want to know who's funding your politicians before you vote? We track every dollar, from lobbying to super PACs to megadonors, so you can see who holds real influence in DC. Subscribe to our free newsletter to get nonpartisan, data-driven reporting in your box. www.opensecrets.org/newsletter/s...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 11/09/2026

With the college football season in full gear, the Senate is planning to vote on the Protect College Sports Act, setting federal rules for the new pay-for-play economy. It's already drawn heavy lobbying from broadcasters, athlete groups & universities. 🏈🎓 More: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/09...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 10/09/2026

CHART OF THE WEEK 📊: We're breaking down the most lobbied bills of '26. 846 clients deployed lobbyists on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act from January to June, the most of any bill, despite being law since '25. Read the full story: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/09...

Chart showing the 10 bills that have the most lobbying clients deploying lobbyists to try to influence outcomes.

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 09/09/2026

Join us & @muckrock.com for "Campaign Finance with OpenSecrets," a webinar for journalists on 9/10 at 1 pm ET. Learn how to best use our tools to search political data. 💻 Registration link below: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

us02web.zoom.us

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Campaign Finance with OpenSecrets. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Campaign Finance with OpenSecrets. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 07/09/2026

Labor Day isn't just a holiday – it’s a showcase of union clout. As labor unions pour historic funds into Washington and navigate changing voter loyalties, their political impact is felt every single day. Read the full story: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/08... #LaborDay

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 05/09/2026

1/ CHART OF THE WEEK 📈: This week we're looking at which lawmakers have handed out the most money from their leadership PACs. GOP leadership PACs have given $34.9M to candidates this cycle, compared to $24.2M from Democrats.

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 03/09/2026

Gloria Steinem, the journalist and activist who became the face of U.S. feminism, died at 92. Beyond repro rights & equal pay, she cared about political transparency too: FEC records show she gave $500 to @endcitizensunited.bsky.social in '18. 🧵 (1/1)

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 02/09/2026

The RNC's Dallas gathering has been called a midterm convention, a fundraiser, a rally - even "Trumpapalooza." And that's where just where the questions begin. @joedymccreary.bsky.social dug into the money behind the event. More: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/09...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 01/09/2026

Ahead of #LaborDay, a look at union spending: organized labor set a record w/ $58M in lobbying spending last year, on top of $288M in election spending in 2023-24. 87% of the campaign $ benefitted Democrats, down slightly from 88% in the 2 prior cycles. More: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/08...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 31/08/2026

Wondering who’s shaping our politics behind the scenes? Every week, OpenSecrets breaks down the real stories about money and influence in Washington. Sign up for our newsletter so you too can follow the money. www.opensecrets.org/newsletter/s...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 27/08/2026

Flock Safety is flocking to DC & statehouses, pouring more than $2M into lobbying since '25 as scrutiny grows over its license plate cameras.🚦 That includes $1.3M for federal lobbying & at least $1M in states. We track the #flock money tracking you: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/08...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 26/08/2026

CHART OF THE WEEK 📈📉: The GOP is outpacing Democrats in leadership PAC giving this cycle. GOP-affiliated leadership PACs have handed out $34.9M through 6/30, compared to $24.2M for Democrats, continuing a trend. More: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/08...

Line graph showing contributions to Republican and Democratic candidates by cycle.

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 25/08/2026

So far, United Democracy Project is the biggest outside spender of the midterms, spending $53.6M through 8/21, fueled by $30M in AIPAC donations. Its support for pro-Israel lawmakers has become a flashpoint in several Democratic primaries. More: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/08...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 20/08/2026

Two-thirds of individual contributions to high-stakes Senate battleground races are coming from out-of-state donors. Candidates are increasingly relying on national money over local voters. We dive into the trend: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/08...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 19/08/2026

Chart of the Week📊: While Democrats are expected to take the House, control of the Senate remains a tossup & candidates will need to spend aggressively. Here are the most competitive Senate races and the cash available to candidates. www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/08...

Table showing the cash on hand for the Democratic and Republican nominees in the most competitive Senate races.

State Democrat Cash on Hand Republican Cash on Hand
Georgia Jon Ossoff* 37,596,884 Mike Collins 34,681
New Hampshire Chris Pappas 4,775,737 John Sununu 2,672,646
North Carolina Roy Cooper 20,717,568 Michael Whatley 3,461,700
Alaska Mary Peltola 4,636,754 Dan Sullivan* 5,204,164
Maine Troy Jackson 0 Susan Collins* 8,461,809
Michigan Abdul El-Sayed 2,552,761 Mike Rogers 4,217,533
Ohio Sherrod Brown 16,229,742 Jon Husted* 9,419,311
Iowa Josh Turek 2,362,314 Ashley Hinson 4,821,416
Texas James Talarico 21,548,155 Ken Paxton 1,755,783

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 18/08/2026

Today is the anniversary of ratification of the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote. Here's how lobbying helped push it over the finish line. www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8WqbUTf/

Today is the anniversary of ratification of the 19th amendment. Here's how lobbying helped get the job done. #19th #lobbying #learnontiktok #suffrage #righttovote #democracy

TikTok video by OpenSecrets

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 17/08/2026

Democracy works best when it’s transparent. Happy #NationalNonprofitDay from the team uncovering the influence of money in politics. As a nonprofit, our work is powered by you. Help us keep campaign finance & lobbying data accessible for everyone: OpenSecrets.org/donate 🔎

Images of the US Capitol made out of cash.

Text above: Celebrate National Nonprofit Day

Text to left of the Capitol: It Take Money to Track Money

Text below: Donate

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 14/08/2026

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as the 88th attorney general on Aug. 8, in a 50-49 vote. We take a look at his past political activity, connections & personal finances. Read more: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/08...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 13/08/2026

CHART OF THE WEEK 📊: Control of the House could come down to fewer than two dozen races across 14 states. With most primaries done, the @cookpolitical.com has identified 19 toss-up districts & we're tracking the money in those races. Read more: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/08...

Table showing 19 toss-up House races (the most competitive elections this cycle) and the amount of cash on hand for the Democratic and Republican nominees in each of those races.

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 12/08/2026

Two super PACs have poured nearly $2M into Alaska's Senate race ahead of the 8/18 primary, an apparent attempt to game the primary by boosting secondary candidates. But given the state uses a top-four ranked-choice system, the strategy may not pay off. Story: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/08...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 11/08/2026

Lobbying spending hit nearly $1.3 billion in Q2 2026, the second-highest second-quarter total on record, just behind last year's mark. Pharma, major manufacturers & tech firms led the way. We break down the top firm recipients and biggest spenders. Read more: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/08...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 10/08/2026

CHART OF THE WEEK 📊: The chase for MN's open Senate seat has reached a milestone: the primary is tomorrow. Democrat Angie Craig has raised $12.7M, roughly double rival Peggy Flanagan, w/ $3.6M banked to Flanagan's $1.1M. On the GOP side, Michele Tafoya leads with $5.3M raised & $1.M on hand.

Table showing the state of fundraising in the Minnesota Senate race.
Angie Craig (D): $12.7M raised, $9.2M spent, $3.6M cash on hand
Peggy Flanagan (D): $6.5M/$5.5M/$1.1M
Michele Tafoya (R): $5.3M/$4.0M/$1.3M
Adam Schwarze (R): $1.4M/$1.3M/$184K
Tom Weiler (R): $221K/$101K/$122K
Royce White (R): $662K/$765K/$36K

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 06/08/2026

Wisconsin Dem Rebecca Cooke has raised $8.6M, putting her among the top 0.4% of House challengers nationwide, but voters won't see her personal financial disclosure until 2 days after next week's primary, drawing transparency concerns. Full story: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/08...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 05/08/2026

Reminder: Our Instagram AMA on money in politics is tomorrow, Aug. 6. Got a question about campaign finance, lobbying or where political money actually goes? Bring it to @OpenSecretsDC on Instagram.

Image teasing an AMA on Instagram. It says "Ask me a question. Thursday 8/6"

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 04/08/2026

CHART OF THE WEEK: NY’s 12th district is a lock for Democrats, but outside groups have already spent $41.2 million on the primary - the most of any House race so far, thanks to spending by the AI industry.

Table showing the 10 House races with the most outside spending so far in 2026. Topping the list is NY12 at $41.2 million, followed by KY4 at $26.0 million and MD5 at $12.5 million.

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 03/08/2026

Jay Clayton was confirmed as director of national intelligence on 7/28. President Trump nominated the former SEC chairman in June, after Tulsi Gabbard stepped down. We dig into his professional background + past political activity. www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/07...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 31/07/2026

Virginia's "data center alley" keeps expanding, despite rising public opposition. Three NoVa Democrats, whose district houses 293 operational data centers with 154 more planned, have taken tens of thousands from the industry. Read more: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/07...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 30/07/2026

July 30 is the deadline for registered lobbyists and firms to disclose political contributions made January-June. Combined with the lobbying & FEC reports filed earlier this month, it provides a more complete picture of political influence ahead of the midterms. Follow for our continued analysis.

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 29/07/2026

Nebraska Democrat Cindy Burbank spent less than $20k, won her primary with nearly 90% of the vote, then dropped out weeks later, clearing the ballot for independent Dan Osborn. Osborn has raised $5.8M & and is the main challenger to GOP Sen. Pete Ricketts. More: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/07...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 27/07/2026

50 agencies handle campaign finance at the state level. We're on a mission to chat with them all. Jeff Sigurdson, exec. dir. of the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. He oversees campaign reporting & lobbying disclosure. 📷Full interview: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/07...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 24/07/2026

PA has 3 toss-up House races, more than any other state & all 3 seats are currently held by Republicans. Republicans outraised Democrats in 2 of the 3 races through 6/30, but 2 Democrats head into the stretch w/ more cash on hand. Read more: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/07...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 23/07/2026

Outside groups have poured more than $52M into the Michigan Senate primary, second only to TX nationally. Four super PACs are driving spending, much of it backing Rep. Haley Stevens over Abdul El-Sayed, with AIPAC-aligned spending a major factor. Read more: www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/07...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 22/07/2026

CHART OF THE WEEK: Outside groups have already spent more than $330M trying to sway '26 Senate races, with over 3 months still to go until Election Day. 86% of that money is concentrated in just 10 contests.

Table showing the 10 Senate races that have seen the most outside spending so far this cycle. Leading the way is Texas ($63.7 million) and Michigan ($52.3 million). The rest of the top 10: Kentucky, Illinois, Louisiana, Alabama, Minnesota, Iowa Maine and South Carolina.

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 21/07/2026

Spain just won the #FIFAWorldCup2026 🇪🇸⚽️. In honor of the win, we're taking a look at Spain's U.S. lobbying and influence activity, digging into the disclosures to see how the country engages with Washington. www.opensecrets.org/fara/countri...

Chart showing the Spanish government spent $588,590 on influence campaigns in the U.S. in 2025. It also shows year-by-year totals for 2015-2025.

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 20/07/2026

Today is the deadline for Q2 lobbying disclosure reports. Every registered lobbyist has to report their lobbying activity for April-June. It's an important read on who is spending on policy influence ahead of the midterms. Stay tuned for our breakdown of the latest data.

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 19/07/2026

CHART OF THE WEEK: Half the states ban foreign money in ballot measure campaigns. Federal law only bans foreign contributions to candidates' campaigns because the Supreme Court has ruled ballot measures count as issue advocacy. The House passed a bill Monday to close the gap at the federal level.

Map showing which states ban ban foreign contributions to ballot measure committees.

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 18/07/2026

In honor of National Ice Cream Day, we're digging into the 2025 lobbying data behind the industry, specifically the holding companies of major ice cream brands & their trade association. Swipe through for the scoop🍦.

OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 17/07/2026

The major super PACs helping Hill Republicans reported huge war chests this week. The Senate Leadership Fund has $100M+ more cash than its Democratic counterpart. And in the House, the Congressional Leadership Fund reported 2X cash as the Democratic equivalent. www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/07...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 17/07/2026

The crypto industry's political spending looks like it's split by party, but it's a coordinated campaign. Fairshake, Protect Progress & Defend American Jobs share a treasurer & address in Saint Paul. Fairshake has funneled tens of millions to the other two. www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/07...

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OpenSecrets.org @opensecrets.org · 16/07/2026

House and Senate candidates have filed their latest round of quarterly fundraising reports with the Federal Election Commission. Democrats dominate the top of the lists. (1/5) www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/07...

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