Money may not buy happiness, but in the world of politics, it certainly buys a seat at the table. Over the past decade, a select group of individuals has opened their wallets in a major way, channeling billions of dollars into political campaigns and causes. These are the power players whose contributions shape election cycles and influence policy. Let's take a look at the top 10 political donors of the last ten years, see where they put their money, and explore how they made their fortunes in the first place. All stats pulled from OpenSecrets.
1. Elon Musk
- Known For: SpaceX, Tesla
- Total Contributions: $291,482,587
- Leans: Republican
The man behind electric cars and missions to Mars has also launched himself to the top of the donor list. Elon Musk's journey from PayPal co-founder to the head of Tesla and SpaceX has made him one of the wealthiest people on the planet. His recent political spending has heavily favored Republican causes, making him a formidable force in political financing.
2. Sheldon G. & Miriam O. Adelson
- Known For: Las Vegas Sands
- Total Contributions (2020): $218,168,500
- Leans: Republican
The late casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Miriam, were titans of Republican fundraising for years. Their fortune was built on the global empire of Las Vegas Sands casinos. Consistently topping donor lists, they contributed a staggering $218 million in the 2020 election cycle alone. Prior to that, they donated $123 million in 2018 and $82.5 million in 2016, almost entirely to Republican candidates and committees.
3. Timothy Mellon
- Known For: Banking Heir, Transportation
- Total Contributions: $197,047,200
- Leans: Republican
As an heir to the Mellon banking fortune, Timothy Mellon has a long history in finance and transportation. He has become a major donor in recent years, directing the bulk of his contributions, including a notable $172 million, toward Republican interests. He was also a significant contributor in the 2020 cycle, with over $60 million in donations.
4. George Soros
- Known For: Soros Fund Management
- Total Contributions: $178,820,550
- Leans: Democrat
A legendary hedge fund manager, George Soros made his fortune through his firm, Soros Fund Management. For decades, he has been one of the most prominent and consistent backers of Democratic and progressive causes. In one cycle, he contributed over $178 million, with nearly every dollar going to support the Democratic party and its candidates.
5. Michael R. Bloomberg
- Known For: Bloomberg L.P., Former NYC Mayor
- Total Contributions: $152,509,750
- Leans: Democrat
The founder of the financial data and media giant Bloomberg L.P., Michael Bloomberg has used his immense wealth to become a political powerhouse. After serving as mayor of New York City, he became a top donor for the Democratic party. His spending is consistently high, including over $95 million in 2018 and more than $50 million in 2022, primarily supporting Democratic initiatives.
6. Miriam Adelson
- Known For: Las Vegas Sands/Adelson Drug Clinic
- Total Contributions: $148,304,900
- Leans: Republican
Following the passing of her husband, Sheldon, Miriam Adelson has continued their legacy as a GOP megadonor. An Israeli-American physician, her wealth is tied to the Las Vegas Sands empire. She remains one of the most significant individual Republican donors, single-handedly contributing nearly $150 million in a recent cycle.
7. Richard & Elizabeth Uihlein
- Known For: Uline Inc.
- Total Contributions: $143,498,936
- Leans: Republican
Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein founded Uline, a shipping and packaging supply distributor that has grown into a massive enterprise. From their base in Illinois, they have become reliable and powerful donors to Republican and conservative causes, with their contributions steadily increasing over the years. They gave over $39 million in 2018, $68 million in 2020, and nearly $90 million in 2022.
8. Kenneth C. Griffin
- Known For: Citadel LLC
- Total Contributions (2024): $108,402,284
- Leans: Republican
As the founder and CEO of the global hedge fund Citadel, Kenneth Griffin is a major figure in the world of finance. He is also a major player in political donations, consistently ranking among the top contributors. In 2024 alone, his contributions topped $108 million. This follows significant donations of over $72 million in 2022 and $67 million in 2020, with the majority directed to Republican campaigns.
9. Jeffrey S. & Janine Yass
- Known For: Susquehanna International Group
- Total Contributions (2024): $101,128,680
- Leans: Republican
Jeffrey Yass co-founded Susquehanna International Group (SIG), a global trading and technology firm known for its quantitative strategies. He and his wife, Janine, have become increasingly influential donors, with their contributions growing substantially. Their spending in 2024 exceeded $100 million, a significant jump from their $58 million in donations in 2022, mostly benefiting Republican and libertarian-leaning groups.
10. Thomas & Kathryn Ann Steyer
- Known For: Fahr LLC/Tom Steyer
- Total Contributions (2016): $91,078,136
- Leans: Democrat
A former hedge fund manager turned environmental activist, Tom Steyer and his wife, Kathryn Ann, were leading donors for the Democratic party, particularly during the 2016 election cycle. Steyer, who founded the investment firm Fahr LLC after leaving his previous fund, has focused his political efforts on climate change and other progressive issues. They were also top donors in 2014 with over $75 million in contributions.
