2020 Outside Spending, by Group

In addition to "super PACs" (which can raise and spend unlimited funds) and regular political action committees (which raise money via contributions capped at $5,000 per year), there are several other vehicles donors can use to attempt to influence elections. These include Carey committees (also known as hybrid PACs), which maintain one account for making contributions to candidates, like regular PACs, and a separate account for making independent expenditures, like super PACs. In addition, there are "527 organizations" and 501(c) nonprofit groups. The 527s can be entirely political and must disclose their donors. However, 501(c)(4) groups can shield their donors' identities -- but, under IRS rules, can't have politics as their primary purpose.

Spending by viewpoint

for All Outside Spending Groups

by Group Viewpoint

by Recipient Party

by Disclosure of Group Loading Chart Charts require JavaScript and the Flash plugin. by Group Viewpointby Recipient Partyby Disclosure of Group

select CYCLE:

2020 2018 2016 2014 2012 2010 2008 2006 2004

select FILTER:

All types Independent Expenditures -- Super PACs -- Carey Committees Electioneering Communications Non-Party Committees Non-Disclosing Groups Single-Candidate Groups -- Single-Candidate Super PACs

View: C = Conservative, L = Liberal, X = Bi-Partisan, U = Unknown = No disclosure of donors = Partial disclosure of donors = Full disclosure of donors = Ad available = No disclosure of donors= Partial disclosure of donors= Full disclosure of donors= Ad available