The 2020 election is shaping up to be the most expensive in history. According to estimates from the Center for Responsive Politics, spending on the 2020 general election is expected to be around $10.8 billion.
"The 2018 election smashed fundraising records for midterms, and 2020 is going to absolutely crush anything we've ever seen — or imagined — before," said Sheila Krumholz, executive director of the Center for Responsive Politics.
The Center for Responsive Politics said one reason that candidates are spending so much money this year is because of the coronavirus pandemic. Without the ability to host large rallies, campaigns were forced to increase the amount of money they are spending on radio, television, and digital advertising.
The presidential election is expected to cost $5.2 billion, while $5.6 billion is expected to be spent on House and Senate races across the country. The number of donors who gave less than $200 has jumped by 14% since 2016 and now accounts for 22% of all political donations.
The 2020 election is on pace to shatter the 2016 record of $6.5 billion.
"This is already the most expensive presidential election in history, and there are still months of election spending to account for," Krumpholz continued. "The unanswered question is whether this will be the new normal for future elections."
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