Dark Money in the 2024 Election Cycle
Outside spending through independent expenditure committees has become a dominant force in American elections. In the 2024 cycle, 884 independent expenditure committees reported a combined $40.10B in spending to the Federal Election Commission. These organizations can raise and spend unlimited sums to support or oppose candidates, often with limited disclosure of their donors.
Top 15 Independent Expenditure Committees by Spending
| Rank | Committee | Total Spent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Committee OF 300 | $17.74B |
| 2 | The Court OF Divine Justice | $9.98B |
| 3 | Republican Emo Girl | $6.35B |
| 4 | Food & Water Action | $1.03B |
| 5 | The Masonic Illuminati Eye | $579.9M |
| 6 | FF Pac | $500.3M |
| 7 | Make America Great Again Inc. | $366.1M |
| 8 | Winsenate | $315.0M |
| 9 | Gus Associates | $255.0M |
| 10 | Hmp | $241.1M |
| 11 | Senate Leadership Fund | $211.1M |
| 12 | Americans For Prosperity Action, Inc. (afp Action) Dba Cva Action And Dba Libre Action | $161.2M |
| 13 | Preserve America Pac | $112.3M |
| 14 | Dccc | $103.0M |
| 15 | Sfa Fund, Inc | $99.9M |
The top 15 committees alone account for $38.04B in outside spending, representing a significant share of all independent expenditures.
How Dark Money Works
Dark money refers to political spending by organizations that are not required to disclose their donors. This includes certain 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations, 501(c)(6) trade associations, and LLCs used to funnel contributions. While Super PACs must disclose donors, they can receive unlimited contributions from these non-disclosing entities, creating a complex web of political financing.
Key Types of Outside Spending Groups
- Super PACs — Can raise unlimited funds and must disclose donors, but cannot coordinate with candidates
- 501(c)(4) Organizations — Social welfare nonprofits that can spend on politics without disclosing donors
- 501(c)(6) Trade Associations — Business leagues that can engage in political activity
- LLCs & Shell Companies — Sometimes used to obscure the true source of political contributions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dark money in politics?
Dark money refers to political spending by organizations that are not legally required to disclose their donors. This spending influences elections through advertising, voter outreach, and other campaign activities while keeping the funding sources hidden from public view.
What is the difference between a PAC and a Super PAC?
Traditional PACs can donate directly to candidates but face contribution limits. Super PACs can raise and spend unlimited amounts but cannot contribute directly to or coordinate with candidates. Super PACs must disclose their donors, though they can receive funds from non-disclosing organizations.
How much dark money was spent in the 2024 election?
Independent expenditure committees reported $40.10B in total spending during the 2024 cycle across 884 committees tracked in FEC filings. The actual amount of dark money may be higher due to spending by organizations that are not required to report to the FEC.
Are dark money donations disclosed?
By definition, dark money spending comes from organizations that do not fully disclose their donors. While Super PACs must disclose contributors, they can receive funds from 501(c)(4) nonprofits and other entities that keep their donor lists private, effectively laundering the original source of the funds.