Surging cost of U.S. elections
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The 2020 U.S. Presidential and Congressional elections will likely exceed the record $6.29 billion spent on the 2012 contest. Campaigns have raised more than $4.77 billion so far* – months ahead of the vote
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Cost of elections ($ millions) 
Congressional race 
Presidential race
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*Receipts (Jan 1, 2017-Jun 30, 2020)
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Joe Biden Democrat 
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Donald Trump Republican
278.85   
2,081,35
27 Democrat presidential candidates that dropped out
342.70
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52.22 Third party or independent 
19.57 Three Republicans that dropped out
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2020 2,000.32 2,774.69  4,775.01
2018 Mid-term election 5,725.18
2016 4,124.30 2,386.88  6,511.18
2014 3,845.39
2012 3,664.14 2,621.42 6,285.56
2010 3,631.71
2008 2,485.95 2,799.73 5,285.68
2006 2,852.66
2004 2,237.07 1,910.23 4,147.30
2002 2,181.68
2000 1,669.22 1,413.12 3,082.34

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 Source: Federal Election Commission, Open Secrets Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS