In the United States, elections are big business.
No other country spends as much on them, and few political capitals are as heavily shaped by money and lobbyists as Washington, DC.
But the vast amounts of money poured into state and federal races aren't there to cover operational costs so Americans can access the ballot box.
They're designed to influence the narrative.
According to the OpenSecrets project which tracks campaign financing, nearly $5 billion was spent on the 2024 presidential and congressional election cycle by individuals, groups, and outside spenders combined.
