World’s most expensive election
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The $14 billion price tag of this year’s U.S. presidential and congressional races will eclipse the combined cost of the last two elections, according to the Center for Responsive Politics
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Rising cost of U.S. elections ($ billions, adjusted for inflation)
    
Presidential race
Congressional races

2020 6.63 7.25 13.88
2016 2.39 4.12  6.51
2012 2.62 3.66  6.28
2008 2.80 2.49  5.29
2004 1.91 2.24  4.15
2000 1.41 1.67  3.08
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Outside spending ($ millions)

2010: Supreme Court 6.28 permits corporations, unions and individuals to make unlimited political donations


2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 2020    

243.0
127.3
945.0
1,300.0 
2,890.6

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Sources: Center for Responsive Politics, Open Secrets Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS