Maryland is one of three states holding primaries tomorrow. It's also attracting outsized national attention because of the outsized amount of money being spent.Maryland's Senate race is the third most expensive nationwide behind California and Texas. That's thanks largely to the self-financed campaign of wealthy Democrat David Trone. He currently serves in the House.He's part of a wave of self-funded candidates nationwide. That rise coincides with the ever-surging cost of funding a campaign. Political ad spending in the 2024 election cycle is expected to exceed $16 billion.We discuss the cost of campaigns and how they're funded. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy