Wealthy donors who have given at least $1 million contributed 74 percent of the $1.1 billion that has flowed this election cycle into super PACs, which can accept unlimited contributions from individuals and corporations.
While these groups cannot coordinate their advertising with candidates or political parties, they often work closely with official campaigns, and they are influential forces in this year’s congressional midterm elections.
[Meet the little-known ‘big fish’ megadonor setting the tone for GOP primary races]
Casino owner Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Miriam, shot to the top of the list with their $112 million donation to two super PACs that aims to help Republicans retain their hold on Congress. In 2016, the couple gave large sums to anti-Clinton groups and together have been the biggest political givers of the past three elections.
The Top Donors
As in past election cycles, a small number of wealthy donors are driving a large share of the millions of dollars filling super PAC coffers.
Top 50 donors to super PACs
About this story
The Washington Post analyzed all donations of $10,000 and above to all federal super PACs through Oct. 17. Donor totals have been adjusted to include refunds. Donations made by labor unions and party committees are not included in the list of top donors.
Originally published April 10, 2018.
More stories
Meet the wealthy donors who are pouring millions into the 2016 elections
Wealthy donors gave record sums to super PACs, which can accept unlimited contributions from individuals and corporations, during the 2016 election cycle. Here is a look at who gave the most:
Can Democrats win back the House in 2018? It will be tough.
They hold 194 seats, 24 short of what they need to control the chamber.
