Midterms 2026Answers · Campaigns
How do candidates raise money for a campaign?
Candidates raise money from individual donors, online small-dollar contributions, political action committees (PACs), party committees and sometimes their own savings. Most of the work is simple and a bit tedious: asking a lot of people, over and over.
The main sources
- Individual donors. People give directly to a candidate, up to limits set by federal law that change from time to time
- Small online donors. Email lists and social media let campaigns collect many modest gifts
- PACs. Organizations like trade groups, unions and issue groups give within limits
- Party committees. National and state parties can support candidates they think are competitive
- Self-funding. Some candidates put in their own money, and there's generally no cap on that
Outside groups such as super PACs can spend on a candidate's behalf but can't coordinate directly with the campaign. For more on that, see what a super PAC is.
What fundraising looks like day to day
A candidate spends a surprising amount of time on it. Call time, where they phone potential donors from a list, is a standard daily habit. They also hold events, send email appeals and meet with groups that might back them.
Early money matters because it signals viability. Donors, reporters and party leaders look at quarterly reports to decide who's serious. I think this is one reason new candidates can feel stuck: they need money to look viable, and they need to look viable to get money.
The rules
Federal candidates register with the Federal Election Commission and file regular public reports listing donors above a threshold. Limits and rules differ for state and local races. If you're thinking of running, check the current rules for your office before accepting a dollar.
What I'd do
I'd build a base of many small donors first, because they come back and they volunteer too. I'd treat big donors as a complement, not a foundation, and I'd be clear with myself about what I'm willing to promise anyone.
That tension shows up in Midterms 2026, the free iPhone game I made. Decision cards bring you offers from oil companies, podcasters and interest groups. You can take the money or keep your hands clean, and each choice changes your money, power and votes. All the groups are fictional, and the game doesn't judge either choice.