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Billionaire Donors Shift Political Landscape Ahead of 2026 Elections

4/16/2026

45 5 Full Breakdown

Center

Mandel Donates Millions

Stephen Mandel and Susan Mandel, billionaire donors, have contributed nearly $10 million to Democratic campaigns for the 2026 midterm elections.
Their donations illustrate a broader trend of ultra-wealthy donors shaping politics, with Republicans receiving five times more funding than Democrats in 2024.
The Majority Democrats PAC, partly funded by the Mandels, seeks centrist candidates amid concerns over dark money and campaign transparency.

Left

Dark Money Surge

The 2024 election cycle shows gray money rising, with about 20% of super PAC donations from undisclosed sources.
That share marks an increase from 1% in 2012.
New patriotic-name nonprofits have emerged, boosting Democratic funding in the dark-money landscape.
As the midterms approach, super PACs linked to party leadership are set to dominate spending.
Concerns about transparency and the influence of undisclosed donors grow.

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Mandel Donates Millions

Stephen Mandel and Susan Mandel, billionaire donors, have contributed nearly $10 million to Democratic campaigns for the 2026 midterm elections.
Their donations illustrate a broader trend of ultra-wealthy donors shaping politics, with Republicans receiving five times more funding than Democrats in 2024.
The Majority Democrats PAC, partly funded by the Mandels, seeks centrist candidates amid concerns over dark money and campaign transparency.

1 / 2