Who Owns Congress?

The Price of Admission to the House and Senate

The 2010 elections at a glance: Yes, incumbents have the financial advantage.

—By

Read also: The rest of this special report, a note on sourcing, and MoJo's daily political coverage.

How much does it really cost to run for a House or Senate seat?

Total raised for 2010 election: $1.27 billion
House candidates: $706.8 million
Senate candidates: $568.1 million

Congressional incumbent reelection rate, 2008: 94%

Average spent by House race winners, 2008:
$1.4 million
Average raised by challengers, 2010: $166,000
Average raised by incumbents, 2010: $1 million

Average spent by Senate race winners, 2008:
$8.5 million
Average raised by challengers, 2010: $519,000
Average raised by incumbents, 2010: $9.4 million

As of July 26

2010 at a Glance

Total registered candidates:
2,051
(including primary losers)

Incumbents running:
451

Total raised by Democrats:

$621.4 million
(49% of total)

Total raised by Republicans:
$638 million
(50% of total)

As of July 26

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