By Diane Pansire
Democracy promises an equal voice, but money gives some people a much louder microphone.
More than $11.6 billion is projected to be spent on political advertising in the 2026 midterm election cycle, according to tracking firm AdImpact. That includes federal, state and local contests – not just congressional races.
Megadonors have contributed about 15% of that record-breaking ad spending. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, “hundreds of millions of dollars [are] coming from big donors connected to the AI, crypto, finance and other industries looking to shape government policy.”
Meanwhile, ordinary people face practical barriers to being heard. Someone working two jobs may struggle to attend a town meeting. A caregiver may have no one to cover an evening hearing. Their absence does not mean they care less. It means participation costs time and money they cannot spare.
Classism deepens this divide when people mistake wealth for wisdom and financial hardship for personal failure. Those with the greatest resources can amplify their priorities, while people most affected by public decisions struggle for attention.
A more equal democracy requires accessible participation and respect for lived experience. Political influence should not depend on the size of a bank account.