NRA Outspent Gun-Control Groups in 2022 Midterms

The country’s most prominent gun-rights organization was once again the top dog in outside election spending among gun groups.

Between its PAC and Super PAC, the National Rifle Association (NRA) reported roughly $13.7 million in outside spending on federal races during the 2022 midterms, according to FEC data. That’s nearly $2 million more than the three major gun-control groups spent combined.

The spending edge marks a return to form for the NRA as the election spending powerhouse on gun issues. Though it has long been the dominant force in outside spending during presidential years, the organization was outspent by gun-control groups for the first time ever in the 2018 midterms. That led many to speculate that gun-control interests had gained parity with the NRA. But 2022’s numbers show that gun-control groups still have work to do if they hope to unseat the NRA as the pace-setting election spender.