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Federal Election Commission | United States of America
  • Press Release

1998 Congressional Fundraising Continues to Climb

August 14, 1998

News Releases, Media Advisories

For Immediate Release: Contact: Ian Stirton August 14, 1998 Ron Harris Sharon Snyder Kelly Huff

 

1998 CONGRESSIONAL FUNDRAISING CONTINUES TO CLIMB

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate and House candidates raised $37 million more through June 30, 1998, than in the same 18-month period in the previous election cycle, according to a compilation released today by the Federal Election Commission.

An FEC survey of campaign disclosure reports found that Senate and House campaigns raised a total of $484.3 million between January 1, 1997, and June 30, 1998, an increase of 8% over the same period in 1995-96. Spending during this period totaled $301.6 million, an increase of only 3%.

An analysis of the activity shows that Senate candidates raised $191.5 million, an increase of 13% over the same period in the previous cycle. They spent $117.9 million, an 0.9% increase. House candidates raised $292.8 million, up 5% over the previous cycle, and spent $183.7 million, a 4% increase. It is important to note, however, that Senate elections are not directly comparable across cycles because, unlike House races, different seats in different states are up for election each cycle.

While the total number of candidates participating in House elections has declined, median receipts for all House candidates, except Republican incumbents, have risen, as indicated in the chart on page 3. Also, there are fewer open seats this cycle, as well as fewer non-incumbents who reported receipts of at least $50,000.

Contributions from individuals continue to represent the largest single source of funds for Congressional candidates, totaling $268.6 million or 55% of all receipts. PACs and other committees have contributed $120.6 million, representing 25% of receipts. Candidates provided $69.0 million, or 14% of all receipts.

Information provided in this report includes:

*** Overall summary of Senate and House activity based on political party and candidate status

(Incumbent, challenger and open seat).

*** 18-month comparison of Senate and House activity for 1990 through 1998.

*** Median receipts for House candidates and number of candidates who reported receipts of at least $50,000 by June 30 of the election year, by candidate status.

*** Six-year financial summaries for current Senate candidates.

*** 18-month financial summaries of each House race.

*** Rankings of Senate and House candidates for the following categories: receipts, contributions from

individuals, contributions from PACs, disbursements, cash-on-hand, and debts.

Senate

House

Footnotes:

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This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public.

The reader is encouraged also to consult the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.), Commission regulations (Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations), Commission advisory opinions and applicable court decisions.