# Midterm Spending Bonanza Threatens Democracy

> Big money in politics is accelerating corruption, risking democracy.
- Title: Midterm Spending Bonanza Threatens Democracy · Mother Jones
- Summary: Big money in politics is accelerating corruption, risking democracy. The $1.7 billion spent on midterms shows how campaign finance is worsening corruption…
- Keywords: campaign finance, midterms, elton musk, russ choma, mother jones, dark money, super pac, political corruption, trump administration, senate race, texas, ohio
- Source: Mother Jones — https://motherjones.com/politics/2026/10/stress-test-campaign-finance-corruption-midterms-video-podcast
- Author: Mother Jones
- Published: 2026-10-09T14:50:21+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: campaign finance, midterms, elton musk, russ choma, mother jones, dark money, super pac, political corruption, trump administration, senate race, texas, ohio
## Big money dominates US politics
Wealthy donors, corporations, and special interests have long poured cash into presidential and congressional elections.
## This year’s spending is accelerating
The $1.7 billion poured into the election so far shows no sign of deceleration or slowing down.
## Crypto and betting industries join the race
Hundreds of millions from crypto and sports betting, industries barely on the political map in 2020, are now major spenders.
## Dark money obscures donors
Super PACs can obscure donors, and issue ads and targeted turnout operations go unreported, like dark matter in the universe.
## Donors gain regulatory control
Donors get to cash in by having the administration align with their deregulatory goals or gain control of agencies.
## Elon Musk gains agency control
Elon Musk can gain control of an agency or decimate whole sections of government through campaign spending.
## Donors get more than access
They’re getting inclusion, not just total access, to influence government decisions.
## Negative ads are most effective
The most effective campaign tool is a negative ad designed to make voters not vote.
## Voters see more corruption
Pollsters report voters see more government corruption these days, especially with a sour economy.
## Hungary’s corruption crisis
Viktor Orbán was voted out after 16 years in power due to rampant corruption and a poor economy.
## Texas Senate race is competitive
The Texas Senate race between James Talarico and Ken Paxton is highly competitive despite historical Republican dominance.
## Texas governor’s race is tight
Gina Hinojosa, the Democrat, is only a few points behind incumbent Greg Abbott in the Texas governor’s race.
## Campaign finance reform is stalled
There’s no sign of deceleration in campaign finance spending, and reform efforts have stalled since Citizens United.
## Dark money is growing
The money flow through super PACs and issue ads is growing, with no clear end to the spending.
## Donors get more than they asked for
Donors get more than total access, they’re getting inclusion to influence government decisions.
## The system is getting worse
The system of campaign finance is getting worse, with no sign of slowing down or reform.
## Key takeaway

The $1.7 billion spent on midterms shows how campaign finance is worsening corruption and undermining democracy.