Construction Industry Interest in Presidential Campaign Reflected in Contributions

Although by far not one of the largest campaign contributors, the national construction industry nevertheless has given more than $44 million in support to various political candidates this year.

According to the latest numbers released by the Washington-based Center for Responsive Politics, funding support has largely come from the building materials and equipment sector, construction services, and general contractors sectors, which together comprised more than 70% of the giving.

As of early October, the country’s builders had ponied up nearly $14 million for President Trump in his re-election effort, compared to $8.6 million for Democrat presidential nominee and former vice-president Joe Biden.

During the winter and spring primary season, contractors gave just over $1 million to former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg. None of the other more than a dozen Democrat presidential candidates received in excess of $1 million.

In her third party Libertarian bid, presidential candidate Jo Jorgensen has received just over $17,000 from builders.

According to the Center’s figures, the national construction industry has contributed more than $793 million to various presidential candidates since 1990, with Republicans “snaring two-third of the money that was given to parties and candidates.”

While construction industry giving in the presidential race has so far been significant, it pales next to the more than $60 million contributed by the securities and investment sector; the $40 million plus given by the communications and electronics industry; and the roughly $35 million contributed by lawyers and law firms.
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While those three sectors have overwhelmingly given to the Biden campaign, the energy and natural resources sector, along with the transportation sector, for a combined roughly $30 million, have largely supported Trump. 

By Garry Boulard

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