Washington Post analysis of FEC data shows major donors have contributed more than $1.3bn in this election cycle to date, with the bulk favoring Republican candidates — funds that may be critical to Republican efforts to retain control of Congress in November. In 1H 2026, Republican-leaning donors gave $880m, Democratic-leaning donors $290m, and cross-party/special-interest groups $200m. Elon Musk was the largest individual donor to Republican-aligned organizations and candidates, donating $85.1

Washington Post analysis of FEC data shows major donors have contributed more than $1.3bn in this election cycle to date, with the bulk favoring Republican candidates — funds that may be critical to Republican efforts to retain control of Congress in November. In 1H 2026, Republican-leaning donors gave $880m, Democratic-leaning donors $290m, and cross-party/special-interest groups $200m. Elon Musk was the largest individual donor to Republican-aligned organizations and candidates, donating $85.1m.