Reporters answer US election questions on Super PACs, crypto and campaign money

Reporters answered readers’ questions about the role of money in the US midterm elections, scheduled for 3 November 2026. The discussion covered candidates, Super PACs, crypto donations and the possible influence of major donors on policy.

After losing the Florida Senate primary, Alex Vindman is directing funds toward Democratic causes but not directly to Angie Nixon, according to reporter Joseph. Vindman announced in August that he would send $250,000 to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and other candidates; in Florida, he said he invested $400,000 in the state Democratic Party.

Crypto Super PACs spend millions

Reporter Chris said crypto-linked Super PACs spent heavily in primaries but did not always get the result they wanted. Fairshake made more than $13.3 million in independent expenditures in Illinois this year, including spending against candidates who nevertheless won their primaries.

Fairshake is also reportedly planning to spend $30 million against Democrat Sherrod Brown, who is seeking to return to the Senate from Ohio.

Donation influence is hard to prove

Reporter Dara said it is often difficult to establish a direct link between a donation and a policy decision. She cited Elon Musk’s spending of at least $250 million to help elect Donald Trump in 2024, followed by the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Musk, after Trump took office.

Dara also said executives from major artificial-intelligence companies donated to Trump, his inaugural committee and the White House ballroom project. She said the Trump administration has taken a lighter approach to AI regulation, while politicians elsewhere have called for tighter oversight.

Save America Act will not apply in November

The Save America Act passed the House but not the Senate, so its provisions will not take effect before the November elections. Chris said the Trump administration separately tried to impose some voting restrictions by executive order, but the Supreme Court halted an attempt to restrict mail-in voting.

The reporters also discussed Republicans potentially outspending Democrats over the full cycle, including spending by outside groups. Chris stressed that spending alone does not guarantee victory; Trump’s approval ratings and other political factors will also matter.