A new Politico poll reveals a rare moment of bipartisan consensus: overwhelming majorities of both Republicans and Democrats believe there is too much money in American politics. The survey, released as campaign spending hits record highs, signals deep public unease with the financial forces shaping elections.
The finding carries significant policy implications, potentially reopening debate on campaign finance reform. Legislators in both chambers have long stalled on measures like the DISCLOSE Act, but such broad public agreement could pressure leadership to act, particularly on disclosure and contribution limits.
While the issue unites voters across the aisle, party positions on specific fixes remain sharply divided. Republican leaders tend to oppose stricter limits, citing free speech concerns, while Democrats are more likely to back new regulations, a split that could complicate any legislative push.
Public frustration appears rooted in the sheer scale of spending and its perceived influence over candidates’ priorities. With Super PACs and dark-money groups dominating airwaves, many voters feel their voices are drowned out—a sentiment that could affect turnout and trust in the 2026 midterms.