Polling stations across the country will be closing in a matter of hours, wrapping up a historic election year in the United States. With control of the U.S. Congress up for grabs, the outcome of the 2022 midterm elections will have meaningful implications, both for the Biden Administration and the country at large. With so much at stake, both parties have been pumping money into key races.Â
According to an analysis conducted by Opensecrets, a nonprofit that tracks the influence of money in politics, candidates and political groups are expected to spend some $8.9 billion on federal races alone, the most in any midterm in U.S. history and far more than the inflation-adjusted $7.1 billion spent in the run-up to the last midterm election in 2018. This money is being used to fund campaign rallies, voter registration campaigns, mass mailings, and multimedia advertising. (Here is a look at the states with the closest senate races this election.)
As is the case in every election year, some portion of this money has been accumulated through millions of small donations of $200 or less from the party faithfuls. Still, there are also many wealthy donors who can afford to cut seven figure checks, and as a result, wield outsized influence on our democracy.Â
Using data compiled by Opensecrets, 24/7 Wall St. identified the individuals who have donated the most money to 2022 midterm election races at the federal level. Each donor on this list has contributed at least $10 million to political parties, candidates, and interest groups in the 2022 election cycle.Â
Many of the individuals on this list rank among the wealthiest people in the world, with net worths estimated to be in the tens of billions. These donors are presumably funding the campaigns and political parties that they think will protect their interests on Capitol Hill.Â
Nearly two-thirds of the donors on this list are staunchly conservative, and their donations have gone almost exclusively to Republican party causes. Still, George Soros, the largest political spender on this list by a wide margin, has exclusively supported the interests of the Democratic Party. (Here is a look at the 30 richest Americans of all time.)
Regardless of party, the vast majority of money given by the donors on this list has gone into the pockets of outside groups rather than the candidates themselves. While there are laws in place limiting individual donations to political campaigns, the wealthiest donors can still make unlimited contributions to party committees, PACs, and nonprofit interest groups.
Click here to see the people who donated the most for midterms.
Click here to read our detailed methodology.
29. Justin Ishbia – Shore Capital Partners; Chicago, IL
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $10.0 million; (100% to Democrats, 0% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $31,600
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $10.0 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Democrat/Liberal
> Donor’s est. net worth: $2.1 billion
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28. Karla Jurvetson – Karla Jurvetson MD; Los Altos Hills, CA
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $10.5 million; (99% to Democrats, 0% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $2.3 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $8.2 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Democrat/Liberal
> Donor’s est. net worth: N/A
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27. Ronnie & Nina Cameron – Mountaire Corp.; North Little Rock, AZ
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $10.6 million; (0% to Democrats, 100% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $2.3 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $8.3 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: N/A
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
26. Robert Bigelow – Bigelow Companies; North Las Vegas, NV
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $11.1 million; (0% to Democrats, 100% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $352,542
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $10.7 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: N/A
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Source: Drew Angerer / Getty Images News via Getty Images
25. Reid Garrett Hoffman – LinkedIn; San Francisco, CA
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $11.4 million; (93% to Democrats, 4% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $5.5 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $5.9 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Democrat/Liberal
> Donor’s est. net worth: $1.8 billion
24. Warren A. Stephens – Stephens Inc.; Little Rock, AR
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $11.5 million; (0% to Democrats, 100% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $2.1 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $9.4 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: $3.2 billion
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23. Bernard Marcus – Marcus Foundation; Atlanta, GA
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $14.2 million; (0% to Democrats, 93% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $2.2 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $12.0 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: $5.2 billion
Source: Anthony Kwan / Getty Images
22. Sheldon G. & Miriam O. Adelson – Las Vegas Sands/Adelson Drug Clinic; Las Vegas, NV
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $15.0 million; (0% to Democrats, 100% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $39,800
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $15.0 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: $28.0 billion
Source: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images News via Getty Images
21. Charles R. & Helen O. Schwab – Charles Schwab & Co.; San Francisco, CA
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $15.7 million; (0% to Democrats, 100% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $1.5 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $14.3 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: $12.9 billion
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20. James H. & Marilyn Simons – Simons Foundation; New York, NY
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $16.0 million; (100% to Democrats, 0% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $2.0 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $14.0 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Democrat/Liberal
> Donor’s est. net worth: $24.5 billion
Source: Courtesy of Simon Youth Foundation via Facebook
19. Deborah J. Simon – Simon Youth Foundation; Carmel, IN
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $16.1 million; (100% to Democrats, 0% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $3.1 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $13.1 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Democrat/Liberal
> Donor’s est. net worth: N/A
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Source: Joe Corrigan / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
18. Stephen Wynn – Wynn Resorts; Las Vegas, NV
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $17.4 million; (0% to Democrats, 100% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $2.9 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $14.5 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: $3.2 billion
Source: undefined undefined / Getty Images
17. Stephen F. Jr. & Susan Z. Mandel – Lone Pine Capital; Greenwich, CT
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $17.7 million; (100% to Democrats, 0% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $3.8 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $13.9 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Democrat/Liberal
> Donor’s est. net worth: $3.6 billion
Source: utah778 / iStock via Getty Images
16. Walter W. Buckley Jr. – Buckley Muething Capital Management; North Palm Beach, FL
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $18.7 million; (0% to Democrats, 100% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $2.2 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $16.5 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: N/A
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Source: Thos Robinson / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
15. Paul E. Singer – Elliott Management; New York, NY
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $20.7 million; (0% to Democrats, 95% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $1.6 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $19.1 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: $5.5 billion
Source: honglouwawa / Getty Images
14. Ryan D. Salame – FTX.US; Sandisfield, MA
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $23.6 million; (0% to Democrats, 81% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $3.3 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $20.4 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: N/A
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13. Diane Hendricks – Hendricks Holding Co.; Beloit, WI
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $25.7 million; (0% to Democrats, 100% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $1.6 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $24.1 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: $12.4 billion
Source: ijeab / iStock via Getty Images
12. Shirley W. Ryan – Ryan Specialty Group; Winnetka, IL
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $27.7 million; (0% to Democrats, 100% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $1.7 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $26.0 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: $8.9 billion
Source: Andrew Burton / Getty Images News via Getty Images
11. Michael R. Bloomberg – City of New York; New York, NY
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $28.3 million; (100% to Democrats, 0% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $49,800
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $28.3 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Democrat/Liberal
> Donor’s est. net worth: $76.8 billion
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Source: Kimberly White / Getty Images News via Getty Images
10. Lawrence Ellison – Oracle Corp.; Woodside, CA
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $31.0 million; (0% to Democrats, 100% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $0.0 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $31.0 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: $90.9 billion
Source: Stephanie Keith / Getty Images News via Getty Images
9. Peter Thiel – Thiel Capital; San Francisco, CA
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $32.6 million; (0% to Democrats, 100% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $123,342
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $32.5 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: $7.3 billion
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Source: Alex Wong / Getty Images News via Getty Images
8. Stephen A. Schwarzman – Blackstone Group; New York, NY
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $35.5 million; (0% to Democrats, 100% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $1.2 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $34.3 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: $29.9 billion
Source: nyvltart / iStock via Getty Images
7. Fred Eychaner – Newsweb Corp.; Chicago, IL
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $35.8 million; (100% to Democrats, 0% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $3.7 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $32.1 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Democrat/Liberal
> Donor’s est. net worth: N/A
Source: Arturo Holmes / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
6. Sam Bankman-Fried – FTX.US; Washington, DC
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $39.8 million; (92% to Democrats, 1% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $989,856
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $38.8 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Democrat/Liberal
> Donor’s est. net worth: $15.4 billion
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5. Timothy Mellon – Retired; Saratoga, WY
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $40.0 million; (0% to Democrats, 100% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $46,515
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $40.0 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: $11.5 billion
4. Jeffrey S. & Janine Yass – Susquehanna International Group; Haverford, PA
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $47.3 million; (0% to Democrats, 93% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $80,100
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $47.2 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: $32.8 billion
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Source: Larry Busacca / Getty Images
3. Kenneth C. Griffin – Citadel LLC; Chicago, IL
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $68.6 million; (0% to Democrats, 100% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $1.5 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $67.1 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: $29.4 billion
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
2. Richard Uihlein – Uline Inc.; Lake Forest, IL
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $80.7 million; (0% to Democrats, 100% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $3.3 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $77.4 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Republican/Conservative
> Donor’s est. net worth: $3.6 billion
Source: Win McNamee / Getty Images News via Getty Images
1. George Soros – Soros Fund Management; New York, NY
> Total contributions in 2022 election cycle: $128.5 million; (100% to Democrats, 0% to Republicans)
> Direct contributions to federal candidates: $1.7 million
> Contributions to political parties, PACs, and nonprofits: $126.8 million
> Donor’s political leanings: Solidly Democrat/Liberal
> Donor’s est. net worth: $8.5 billion
Methodology
Using data compiled by Opensecrets, 24/7 Wall St. identified the individuals who have donated the most money to 2022 midterm election races at the federal level. Each donor on this list has contributed at least $10 million to political parties, candidates, and interest groups in the 2022 election cycle. All funding data is from the IRS and the Federal Election Commission, and is current as of Oct. 16, 2022.Â
Supplemental data on the occupation and political affiliation of the donor is also from Opensecrets.Â
We also reviewed data from Forbes and Bloomberg on the estimated net worth of each donor. Net worth estimates often include the net worth of family members and are the most recent available at the time of this writing.
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