More than $100 million was invested in Indiana’s race for the U.S. Senate this year, possibly the most ever in a statewide election in Indiana.
Most of that money — around $78 million — came from outside political groups. Fundraising efforts by the candidates totaled the remaining $33 million, according to the latest Federal Election Commission data.
That is the most money ever raised for a U.S. Senate race in Indiana, at least according to FEC data going back to 1980.
This is probably the most spent on a political race in Indiana history, said Marjorie Hershey, an Indiana University professor of political science.
She said a number of Senate races in other states have seen such spending before, but none in Indiana.
Republican Mike Braun beat out Democratic incumbent Joe Donnelly in a race that was watched across the country during the midterm election.
Edward Carmines, also an IU professor in political science, said competition drives up spending and investing.
He said the amount of money going toward statewide races has been increasing both in Indiana and across the country. He said spending reached a new level this year.
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