Largest Campaign Spending Categories

TV and mail were still the largest costs for General Assembly candidates last year, while phone banks and texting continued to decline. See how the ranking of different spending categories has shifted over time as campaigns revise their strategies for reaching voters.

Mail/Printing: Includes direct mail, postage, design fees, photography, and printing.
Fundraising: Fundraising consultants, events, direct mail appeals, and donation fees.
Newspaper Ads: Ads placed in print and online newspapers.
Text/Calls/Polls: Polls, telemarketing, phone banks, and texting services.
Signs/Merch: Bumper stickers, yard signs, buttons, shirts, and other promotional merchandise.
Staff/Consulting: Consulting and staff, staff benefits, staff housing, and payroll taxes.
TV/Radio: Radio and TV production, airtime, and media consulting.
Digital Ads/Web: Website, digital ads, social media, electronic newsletters, and email services.

Note: Spending by General Assembly candidates in the calendar year of the election. In-kind expenditures not included, except for direct mail sent by state political parties. VPAP categorizes expenditures based on the candidate’s description of expenses, and the industry of the vendor being paid. Not all spending shown. These categories were identified as primary ways campaigns conduct voter outreach.

Source: Campaign finance reports filed with the State Department of Elections.

Jan. 25, 2024