Most campaign money is coming from 158 families

One hundred seventy-six million dollars have gone toward the first stage of the presidential campaign, and most of that money has come from just 158 families. Across party lines, these donors cross paths often — they’re neighbors, business partners, even patrons at the same art museums. They’re mostly white, rich, older men who work in finance or energy. However, they’re not at Goldman Sachs or Exxon. Instead, they’re self-made and go at it alone in business and campaigns. Overwhelmingly, regardless of industry, they lean right, and most of their donations are going towards Republican candidates.

Nicholas Confessore is a national correspondent at the New York Times, where he covers the intersection of money, power and influence. He wrote about who exactly is donating to campaign super PACS for the Times.