Opinion | Minnesotans have the power to stop the billionaire takeover of American politics

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A Washington Post story printed in the Nov. 23 Star Tribune addressed the question of “How billionaires took over American politics.” The more important question is how American voters can take politics back. A 2025 national Ipsos poll found overwhelming majorities of Democrats (92%), Independents (80%) and Republicans (81%) agree: money in politics threatens fair elections. In a 2023 Minnesota Citizen Data poll, strong majorities across parties — Democrats (80%), Independents (76%) and Republicans (56%) — supported a constitutional amendment giving Congress and state legislatures the authority to set reasonable limits on campaign spending (AmericanPromise.net). Bills backing such an amendment were introduced in the Minnesota House (HF 2225) and Senate (SF 2517) last session.

Fundraising is now the primary test of political viability. Parties and the media judge candidates by their ability to raise money, especially when polling data is limited (“The big money fueling Minneapolis mayor and council races,” Oct. 31). Both parties have rewarded major donors with appointments, as seen in controversies surrounding University of Minnesota Regent appointments (“Gov. Tim Walz criticized for appointing prominent Democratic donor to U’s Board of Regents,” Aug. 15) and national offices (“Trump’s pick to lead Navy raises experience concerns,” Nov. 28, 2024).

Fundraising also shapes internal legislative power. Legislators seeking leadership roles are often required to run their own political action committees (PACs) to raise money not only for themselves, but also for their party and its candidates. We have a political environment where the ability to generate money dominates access to influence and authority.

This leaves candidates more beholden to donors than to voting constituents. Donations flood in from national organizations or individuals from beyond the district. Some races see most funding come from outside the constituency. When donors and constituents differ on an issue, elected officials face a clear conflict of interest: Whose voice prevails? Our founders expected representatives to serve the people who elect them, not distant donors. When media outlets compare candidates based on fundraising totals, they amplify and legitimize the influence of donors while marginalizing the role of voters.

Elected officials claim contributions do not influence them. These claims are difficult to accept as each election cycle brings new record fundraising. Corporations, unions, lobbyists and wealthy out-of-district donors frequently enjoy more attention from elected officials than the voters they are sworn to represent.

Today’s flood of unchecked money stems from the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision 16 years ago. It allows corporations, special interests and wealthy individuals to spend unlimited amounts to influence elections. By 2024, election spending had reached $20 billion. Reversing the effects of Citizens United requires either that the Supreme Court overturn its ruling or a constitutional amendment restoring we the people’s ability to govern our own elections. The Constitution assigns responsibility for election law to Congress and state legislatures (Article I, Section 4) — not the Supreme Court.

Twenty-three states — red and blue alike —have formally called on Congress to propose an amendment addressing money in politics. Minnesota needs to join them. Former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson observed, “Money is power, and when in the hands of a few, it distorts democracy.” When donors are not constituents, money distorts representative democracy even more. The core question now is whether we simply lament the ever-growing influence of money in politics, or whether we will take meaningful action.

Minnesotans can help restore democratic balance by urging the Legislature to support a constitutional amendment. Passing an amendment is difficult. But Americans have repeatedly achieved what once seemed impossible: independence 250 years ago, the end of slavery 150 years ago and countless reforms since. History shows that when the public takes collective action, change follows.

Now is the moment to limit the role of money in politics. The 23 states that have already acted bring us part of the way toward reform. Minnesotans can help complete the task. To remain a representative democracy, constituent interests have to matter more to elected officials than their donors’ contributions.