Bipartisan Support for Congress to Reduce the Influence of Political Spending Amid Record-Breaking Campaign Spending Cycle
Washington, D.C. – A survey released today by American Promise found that 82% of registered voters view the influence of money in politics as a threat to American democracy, and 77% support a constitutional amendment to allow states and Congress to reasonably limit money in elections. The survey highlights overwhelming bipartisan concern about the role of unrestrained and unlimited political spending, and comes amid an election cycle that is expected to break spending records, with $15.9 billion projected to be spent in federal races.
In February, Pew Research Center released a survey which found that decisive majorities of Republicans and Democrats want Congress and the president to prioritize reducing the influence of money in politics. It was the third-highest priority for respondents, behind strengthening the economy and defending against terrorism.
“Even before $16 billion was spent on the 2024 election, Americans were clearly telling pollsters that reducing political spending should be a top issue for Congress to address this year, said Jeff Clements, CEO of American Promise. “Voters read headlines about billionaires pouring tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars into races and wonder: who are our elected leaders really working for? This month’s survey data should be a wake-up call for elected officials. Voters across the spectrum, from Republicans to Democrats, are increasingly frustrated with a political system that seems captured by billionaires, special interests, and foreign actors, and that no longer serves the interests of everyday Americans.”
American Promise, a national cross-partisan organization, is behind a movement to ratify a constitutional amendment to empower states and Congress to set reasonable limits on political spending. Money in politics was widely regulated before Supreme Court cases like Buckley v. Valeo (1976) and Citizens United v. FEC (2010) deprived lawmakers and voters of the right to set their own limits. American Promise’s amendment—The For Our Freedom Amendment—would restore that power. Passing an amendment to the Constitution requires approval from 2/3 of both houses of Congress and ratification by 3/4 of the state legislatures. 22 states have already passed resolutions in favor of the For Our Freedom Amendment.
American Promise partnered with Citizen Data, a non-partisan research and data group, to conduct the survey of 1,010 registered voters between October 16-21, with a margin of error of +/- 3.1%. Results are weighted on party ID, age, and race.
About American Promise:
American Promise is a cross-partisan organization committed to a singular vision: ratifying the For Our Freedom Amendment to empower the states and Congress to set reasonable limits on political spending, ensuring every American voice counts. We believe each generation has a responsibility to ensure that the promise of self-government is open to all Americans. However, the overwhelming influence of excessive money in politics has distorted the concept of free speech and representation in America. This isn’t just a political challenge, but a constitutional one. American Promise – with the help of millions of Americans across the country – will change that.
