It’s a tale as old as democracy itself, yet in 2025, the disparity between who Congress listens to—big donors or everyday citizens—feels more infuriating than ever. The numbers don’t lie, and they paint a grim picture: lawmakers are drowning in campaign cash while constituent voices are left on hold, ignored, or drowned out. As of March 5, 2025, the disconnect between the flood of money into congressional campaigns and the dwindling attention paid to the average American is a scandal hiding in plain sight.

Let’s start with the money. The 2024 election cycle saw congressional candidates rake in a staggering $3.3 billion by September 30, 2024, according to the latest Federal Election Commission (FEC) data. Over half of that, $1.7 billion, came from political action committees (PACs) and large individual donors, those writing checks for more than $200. Contrast that with the $984.9 million still sitting in campaign coffers, ready to fuel the next round of ads, private jets, and donor dinners. Meanwhile, the average constituent can’t even get a meeting. Kevin McCarthy, before his 2023 resignation, raised $15.4 million, mostly from big money, while Hakeem Jeffries pulled in $15.1 million. These aren’t outliers; they’re the norm. Vince Fong, McCarthy’s replacement, has already amassed $1.4 million by May 2024, much of it from the same elite circles.

Now, consider the other side: the citizens. A 2021 Congressional Management Foundation report laid it bare—lawmakers are swamped with messages but lack the staff or will to respond meaningfully. Most Americans, stuck in a system that treats their emails and calls as data points rather than pleas, feel utterly unheard. Nine in ten believe Congress serves “a few big interests,” a sentiment unchanged in 2025. Take infrastructure - a 2024 Gallup poll showed 77% of Americans want more investment, yet Congress dithers, passing a measly $1.2 trillion package in 2021 that’s still trickling out. Why? Big donors (think fossil fuel giants and corporate PACs) prefer tax cuts and deregulation over bridges and roads. FEC data shows oil and gas interests dumped $36 million into congressional races by mid-2024, and their return on investment is clear: no major climate or infrastructure bills this session.

The outrage peaks when you see the time disparity. Lawmakers spend hours courting donors—FEC filings reveal $2.2 billion in PAC-funded ads alone by September 2024 -while town halls are a rarity. One staffer anonymously told The Hill in January 2025 that their boss hadn’t held an in-person constituent event in 18 months, too busy with “fundraising calls.” Meanwhile, student debt relief, backed by 62% of voters per a 2024 Pew survey, remains stalled - pharma and banking PACs, which gave $61.6 million to Democrats and $59.8 million to Republicans, aren’t keen on it.

This isn’t representation; it’s a pay-to-play scheme. The public’s voice is a whisper against the roar of cash, and Congress seems fine with that. It’s professional betrayal, dressed up as politics-as-usual, and it’s tearing at democracy’s seams.

Enter VoteDown. While we detest this sale of our democracy, we also don't want to quietly wring our hands and watch citizens lose all power. We are banding people together to add some pain to the process of selling out American citizens. If they won't listen to our calls, they will have to listen to our money. Join us today.