Michael Toner and Karen Trainer Co-Author Chapter on Emerging Campaign Finance Trends and the 2024 Election

November 7, 2025

Michael E. Toner, chair of the Election Law Practice, and Karen E. Trainer, senior reporting specialist, have co-authored a chapter for the recently released book, Campaign of Chaos: Trump, Biden, Harris, and the 2024 American Election, which provides a comprehensive analysis of the unprecedented campaign finance trends of the 2024 U.S. presidential and congressional elections.

The chapter, “The $16 Billion Election: Emerging Campaign Finance Trends and their Impact on the 2024 Presidential Race and Beyond,” delves into the record-breaking fundraising and historic elements of the 2024 election, including the role of super PACs and other outside groups, as well as the influence of megadonors. Additionally, the chapter discusses the impact and implications of social media usage during the election, the rising popularity of early voting, and looks ahead to the 2028 election.

Toner and Trainer’s chapter is the latest in a series of chapters regarding campaign finance trends, including previous chapters concerning the 2022 and 2020 elections. This chapter, among others authored by Toner and Trainer, was edited by University of Virginia political analyst Larry J. Sabato and Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball.

Campaign of Chaos: Trump, Biden, Harris, and the 2024 American Election is available for sale here.