The $2,900 contribution limit for congressional primaries doesn’t exist for the candidates themselves. That means wealthy people running for office can put extraordinary amounts of their own money into their campaigns – like $4 million for Levi Strauss heir Dan Goldman. These contributions usually come in the form of loans, which candidates can forgive at any time, effectively turning it into a cold, hard contribution. And some congressional candidates in New York are spending big on themselves, as of Aug. 17.
$3,988,468
Dan Goldman (D), 10th District
72% of total fundraising
$2,000,000
Carl Paladino (R), 23rd District
99% of total fundraising
$910,000
Carolyn Maloney (D), 12th District
23% of total fundraising
$800,309
Michelle Bond (R), 1st District
70% of total fundraising
$580,000
George Santos (R), 3rd District
29% of total fundraising
$409,000
Jo Anne Simon (D), 10th District
76% of total fundraising
$400,000
Steve Wells (R), 22nd District
58% of total fundraising
$255,425
Mario Fratto (R), 24th District
72% of total fundraising