Jan 9, 2020

ActBlue pulled in over $1 billion for Democrats in 2019

Photo: Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

ActBlue, an online fundraising platform for Democrats and progressive groups, pulled in $1.05 billion in campaign contributions for the party’s candidates and causes in 2019, the AP reports.

The state of play: Online donations routed through ActBlue, which was formed in 2004, have surged since 2016 when thousands of Democratic campaigns and groups first adopted it.

It processed 34.6 million contributions last year that went to 13,314 political committees, campaigns and organizations. The average contribution was $30.50.

Of note: WinRed, the Republican Party's answer to ActBlue, sent $101 million to conservative candidates and causes after launching in the second half of last year.

WinRed processed most of its contributions after the House voted to outline the rules for the public phase of the impeachment inquiry against President Trump on Oct. 31.

Go deeper:

Go deeper

Sara Fischer

2020 won't be the year digital election ads surpass TV

Data: Advertising Analytics; Chart: Andrew Witherspoon/Axios

While some of the lower-spending 2020 Democrats are investing most of their dollars in digital ads, the biggest spenders — Michael Bloomberg and Tom Steyer — are overwhelmingly spending more on television ads as a percentage of their budgets.

Why it matters: Their ad spend stands in stark contrast to that of the Trump campaign, which is investing much more heavily in digital advertising, especially on Facebook.

Go deeperJan 28, 2020

Stef W. Kight

The 2020 Democratic candidates winning the money game

Data: 2019 FEC filings. Donations do not include funds from political committees or the candidates themselves. Chart: Danielle Alberti/Axios

In a primary race stacked with billionaires, the candidates raising the most money don't necessarily have all the same advantages.

Between the lines: Michael Bloomberg and Tom Steyer are easily able to outspend and outlast any other 2020 campaign. But while fundraising numbers show how powerful and long-lasting a campaign could be in a long election cycle, they are also a sign of support and excitement around a candidate — something money can't always buy.

Go deeperFeb 1, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Rashaan Ayesh

Bernie Sanders' campaign says it raised $25 million in January

Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign said Thursday that it raised $25 million in January.

Why it matters: It's a huge sum of money given that there is still a crowded field of Democratic candidates. In 2019's fourth quarter, Sanders pulled in $34.5 million — the most of any Democratic presidential hopeful — and he kicked off 2020 with a staggering $18.2 million in cash-on-hand.

Go deeperFeb 6, 2020 - Politics & Policy