The 2024 presidential race has already seen more than $1.1 billion in spending from super PACs and independent groups, according to an NBC News analysis, exceeding the 2020 election’s record, NBC News reported.
Much of this spending targets Vice President Kamala Harris, who replaced Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket, with over $464 million supporting her and $393 million in opposition.
By comparison, Donald Trump has received $75 million in support from outside groups, while $124 million has been spent against him. The combined campaign and party committee spending between both candidates now totals over $600 million.
Harris has raised over $615 million from July to September, outpacing Trump, whose campaign raised $150 million during the same period. Despite Trump’s financial gap, allied outside groups have helped him narrow the spending margin.
This record-breaking independent spending underscores the importance of super PACs in the 2024 election. These groups are legally separate from official campaigns, giving them significant influence over political messaging and voter outreach.
The totals also reflect increased efforts to shape public perception of candidates through targeted advertising and voter mobilization, a trend that has grown in recent election cycles. The $1 billion milestone not only highlights the impact of outside money but also raises questions about its influence on electoral outcomes.
With less than two weeks until Election Day, spending is expected to rise further, contributing to the overall campaign’s projected $2 billion price tag. The role of super PACs and independent groups will likely remain central to the final stretch of this historic election.
This article was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.