Why Dems Aren't Sweating GOP's Cash Advantage | RealClearPolitics
RealClearPolitics
by Susan Milligan, The New RepublicFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
While the Democratic National Committee (DNC) trails behind the Republican Party (GOP) in terms of national campaign funding, individual Democratic candidates are defying expectations by raising substantial sums from both small donors and major contributors. This shift challenges the conventional wisdom that a larger war chest guarantees political advantage, as Democrats appear to be leveraging grassroots support and innovative fundraising strategies to offset their national party's financial shortcomings.
The DNC's limited resources have been a recurring issue in recent elections, but candidates like those running for Congress or state offices are bypassing traditional party funding by building robust personal donor networks. This trend reflects broader changes in campaign finance, where digital platforms and small-dollar donations have become increasingly influential. By decentralizing fundraising efforts, Democrats aim to compete effectively even when the national party's coffers fall short of their opponents'.
This dynamic matters because it reshapes the political landscape, offering candidates a path to success that doesn't rely solely on party infrastructure. For voters concerned about money in politics, this shift underscores how grassroots movements and candidate-driven fundraising can counterbalance corporate or elite
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Originally published on RealClearPolitics on 2/20/2026