Fourteen of the 20 largest donors and donor groups in the 2026 election cycle exclusively or nearly exclusively backed Republican candidates or aligned groups. According to NS3.AI, the 20 groups contributed $1.2 billion, about an eighth of the roughly $9.8 billion raised through Sept. 25 across the campaigns and super PACs examined.

Seven top donor groups with major crypto, AI or online gambling ties contributed roughly $377.1 million. Conservative super PACs also outspent Democratic counterparts $310 million to $174 million from Labor Day through Sept. 25.

Major Democratic donors are increasingly bypassing the Democratic National Committee to support candidates and outside groups directly. Even so, Democratic candidates still hold fundraising advantages in several competitive Senate and House races.