5 Powerful Members of Congress Who Benefit Most from Koch Contributions

Published: 24 Nov, 2015
1 min read

The Koch name has become nearly synonymous with GOP 'dark money' and political might. Often portrayed as “bogeyman” by Democrats on the left, these brothers who made their wealth in oil refining have pledged to spend up to $900 million on political advocacy this cycle alone. And since much of that money is funneled through the Koch’s political advocacy nonprofit Americans for Prosperity (which isn't required to report contributions and expenditures), it can be difficult to know just who they are backing.

koch-spending

We can however look at their direct contributions to political campaigns over the years - and that’s exactly what we did.

Interestingly enough, the current and former Speakers of the House place first and fifth in terms of total amount received - Speaker Ryan, has received $84.2 thousand across numerous campaigns compared to Speaker Boehner’s $65 thousand.

Sandwiched in between are a number of key Congressional leaders including Pete Sessions the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules (also known as the “traffic cop of Congress”), Congressman John Culberson who sits on the powerful Appropriations Committee, and Congressman Steve Pearce who sits on the Financial Services Committee.

You Might Also Like

California 2026 Independent Voter Survey
NEW POLL: California Governor’s Race Sees “None of the Above” Beat the Entire Democratic Field
A new statewide poll conducted by the Independent Voter Project finds California’s independent voters overwhelmingly support the state’s nonpartisan primary system and express broad dissatisfaction with the direction of state politics....
12 Jan, 2026
-
4 min read
Disposable Vape Ban SB 762 Jacqui Irwin
This California Disposable Vape Ban Could Devastate The Legal Cannabis Industry Even Further
Good intentions often make for compelling policy. But in practice, consequences rarely fall in line as neatly as the ideas that inspired them....
12 Jan, 2026
-
6 min read
Missouri Republican Denny Hoskins Gerrymandering Manipulation
Missouri Republicans Admit They Skewed Ballot Language to Protect a Rigged Map
Missouri state officials have pulled out all the stops to prevent a veto referendum from getting on the ballot that would overturn a mid-cycle gerrymander. This includes writing a ballot summary that makes it sound like the veto referendum is trying to protect gerrymandering in the state....
13 Jan, 2026
-
4 min read