WASHINGTON (TNND) — A recent analysis by OpenSecrets reveals a significant shift in the funding of congressional campaigns, with national donors playing an increasingly dominant role. In 2024, only 17.6% of itemized donations to House campaigns came from within the candidates' own districts, while Senate campaigns saw just 27.5% of their funds sourced from in-state donors. This marks one of the lowest local funding rates ever recorded, surpassed only by the 2020 election cycle.

If you go back a decade, local giving made up a significantly higher share. Candidates were generally receiving 30 to 40 percent of their funds from their own communities. However, the rise of online fundraising platforms like ActBlue and WinRed, along with national party campaigns and a shift towards digital-first strategies during the pandemic, have contributed to this decline.

According to OpenSecrets:

While such fundraising strategies help boost totals and expand reach, they also raise questions about local accountability and whether today’s campaigns are still financially rooted in the communities they aim to represent.

States with smaller populations, such as North Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming, are particularly reliant on out-of-state donations. In Vermont, more than 92% of campaign funds for House and Senate races came from outside the state. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont raised over $18 million, with 97.6% of it from out-of-state donors. Similarly, Democrat Congressman Jonathan Jackson of Illinois received more than 98% of his campaign funds from outside his district.

Despite the potential disconnect, candidates who rely on non-local money have shown a higher likelihood of winning. According to OpenSecrets, 82% of House candidates and 58% of Senate candidates who relied heavily on non-local donations won their races. As national fundraising becomes more prevalent, the connection between candidates and their communities continues to be tested.