Money in Politics

Megadonors

In the post-Citizens United era, wealthy, overwhelmingly white donors have dominated political giving to both parties. Between 2009 and 2020, just 12 political donors were responsible for $1 of every $13 in federal elections. Learn more about our work to curb the outsized influence of political megadonors.

Featured Work

Videos

New video from Issue One highlights the alarming, outsized influence of ultra-wealthy donors

Reports

Outsized Influence

12 political megadonors are responsible for $1 of every $13 in federal elections since Citizens United and 25% of all giving from the top 100 ZIP codes — a total of $3.4 billion...

As Congress debates potential changes to the nation’s campaign finance system designed to empower ordinary Americans, new research from Issue One shows the extent to which wealthy, overwhelmingly white donors…

Podcast episodes

Swamp Stories Episode 29: The Power of Megadonors

Since Citizens United, just 12 megadonors, six Democrats and six Republicans, contributed a combined $3.4 billion to federal candidates and political groups — accounting for about $1 of every…

Featured Press

See All

Forbes: Scion Of Billionaire Mellon Family Has Paid For Most Of Texas Governor’s Border Wall Fund

Minnesota Sun Sailor: Rep. Dean Phillips: Now is the time to amend our Constitution

The Latest on Megadonors

See All

Apr 20, 2021

Reports

Outsized Influence

12 political megadonors are responsible for $1 of every $13 in federal elections since Citizens United and 25% of all giving from the top 100 ZIP codes — a total of $3.4 billion...