These states are contributing the most to the 2016 candidates
The 2016 election is shaping up to be one of the most expensive presidential races in U.S. history. As of July 15, the candidates have raised more than $125 million from direct campaign contributions and $257 million from super PACs, according to the Federal Election Commission.
In general, spending in U.S. elections has increased over the last decade. OpenSecrets estimates that $1.4 billion was raised in the 2000 presidential election cycle. That number jumped to over $2.6 billion in the 2012 election and could hit $5 billion in 2016. For reference, the two main political parties in the United Kingdom raised less than $13 million over their 2015 election.
Clearly, money is a major part of American politics. But how do these fundraising numbers play out on a national scale? Using data from the FEC, InsideGov broke down the individual campaign contributions by state, looking specifically at the average amount per donor. Note that these numbers only include direct campaign donations, not super PAC totals.
New York residents contribute the most on average with $1,674 per donor. Connecticut is a close second with $1,550 per donor, followed by Maryland ($1,404). On the other end of the spectrum, North Dakota residents contribute the least on average to the 2016 candidates with $392 per donor. Idaho ($552 per donor) and Oregon ($582 per donor) round out the bottom three states.
InsideGov also broke down each state's campaign donations by party.
As the visualization shows, Wyoming residents have donated most consistently to Republicans, with 87% of campaign contributions going to the GOP candidates. Conversely, Vermont is the bluest state when it comes to the 2016 candidates; only 8% of the state's campaign donations have gone to Republican candidates.
Below, we've ranked the top 15 states in terms of total campaign contributions. Note that greyed out counties have not donated to the 2016 candidates as of the July 15 FEC filings.
#15. Missouri
Total Campaign Contributions: $1,154,338
Average Contribution per Donor: $1,284
Percent Republican Donations: 36%
#14. Washington
Total Campaign Contributions: $1,341,603
Average Contribution per Donor: $881
Percent Republican Donations: 29%
#13. Georgia
Total Campaign Contributions: $1,481,742
Average Contribution per Donor: $918
Percent Republican Donations: 55%
#12. South Carolina
Total Campaign Contributions: $1,488,718
Average Contribution per Donor: $1,212
Percent Republican Donations: 82%
#11. New Jersey
Total Campaign Contributions: $1,638,482
Average Contribution per Donor: $1,225
Percent Republican Donations: 36%
#10. Pennsylvania
Total Campaign Contributions: $1,683,146
Average Contribution per Donor: $972
Percent Republican Donations: 40%
#9. Connecticut
Total Campaign Contributions: $1,712,994
Average Contribution per Donor: $1,550
Percent Republican Donations: 46%
#8. Massachusetts
Total Campaign Contributions: $2,216,643
Average Contribution per Donor: $1,230
Percent Republican Donations: 22%
#7. Virginia
Total Campaign Contributions: $2,579,621
Average Contribution per Donor: $1,232
Percent Republican Donations: 47%
#6. Illinois
Total Campaign Contributions: $2,745,561
Average Contribution per Donor: $1,335
Percent Republican Donations: 30%
#5. Maryland
Total Campaign Contributions: $2,813,791
Average Contribution per Donor: $1,404
Percent Republican Donations: 15%
#4. Florida
Total Campaign Contributions: $8,926,158
Average Contribution per Donor: $1,262
Percent Republican Donations: 64%
#3. New York
Total Campaign Contributions: $10,534,580
Average Contribution per Donor: $1,674
Percent Republican Donations: 25%
#2. Texas
Total Campaign Contributions: $11,683,321
Average Contribution per Donor: $1,380
Percent Republican Donations: 81%
#1. California
Total Campaign Contributions: $13,594,481
Average Contribution per Donor: $1,307
Percent Republican Donations: 33%
