Mike Gutter Says Congress Has Become Americas Most Lucrative Investment

Political campaigns are more expensive than ever, with candidates spending millions to secure a congressional seat that pays just $174,000 a year. Mike Gutter, political analyst and author of “Never Again Still Means Never Again,” poses a the deeper question: Why is winning a seat in Congress so financially attractive?

Gutter argues that the real power of elected office isnt in salary, but in access to trillions of dollars in government spending. In 2024 alone, the federal government spent $6.75 trillion, meaning that each member of the House oversees an average of $15.5 billion, while each Senator influences $67.5 billion.

According to Gutter, the incentive structure in Washington prioritizes influence and financial gain over public service. It’s not about party politics, but about power.

Gutter highlights how lawmakers leverage committee positions to direct funding, use political fundraising to maintain influence, and operate within a system where deficit spending benefits those in control, regardless of party affiliation.

With key gubernatorial and local elections taking place in 2025, Gutter believes now is the time for a national conversation on how government spending and political power intersect. By understanding the mechanisms that keep lawmakers accountable to donors rather than voters, he argues, Americans can begin to address the systemic issues that perpetuate division and unchecked political influence.