In my ongoing exploration of campaign contributions, I now focus on the intriguing world of out-of-state contributions. Previously I gave an overall look at Minnesota campaign contributions, as well as an interactive map of in-state contributions. In this post, I unveil an interactive heatmap that provides a dynamic visual representation of the top out-of-state campaign contributions over the years. The data tells a compelling story of how various states have played a significant role in supporting political campaigns beyond their own borders.
The Heatmap: A Glimpse into Campaign Dynamics
At first glance, our interactive heatmap may seem like an abstract grid of colors, but it holds valuable insights into the ebb and flow of campaign contributions. However, it holds valuable insights into the ebb and flow of campaign contributions. Each cell in the heatmap represents a specific month and year. Significantly, its color intensity reflects the total amount of campaign contributions received during that time. Furthermore, by hovering over any cell, you can uncover detailed information about the top contributors for that month.
Key Takeaways: Understanding the Data
- Yearly Changes: The heatmap allows you to observe how the pattern of out-of-state contributions has evolved over the years. Before 2020, New York consistently held the title of the largest out-of-state contributor.
- Magnitude Matters: One striking observation is that, until 2022, the magnitude of out-of-state contributions remained relatively modest, with the highest totals falling below a million dollars.
- 2022 Shakeup: The year 2022 brought about a significant shift. The District of Columbia and California emerged as the leading contributing states, collectively contributing over 40 million dollars.
What’s Next: Exploring Top Contributors
As we delve deeper into the world of campaign contributions, our next focus will be on the top contributors within the leading out-of-state states. Stay tuned for the upcoming interactive map, which will highlight the top five contributors for each of the top contributing states, providing a fascinating glimpse into the individuals and organizations shaping campaign finance.
Data Source:
https://cfb.mn.gov/reports-and-data/self-help/data-downloads/campaign-finance/