WASHINGTON, D.C. — OpenSecrets, the leading nonpartisan research organization tracking money in U.S. politics, was ranked 15th nationwide among nonprofit news organizations in a new report from the Nieman Journalism Lab, which analyzed audience traffic and engagement during the fourth quarter of 2025. This is a three-point jump from earlier last year.
The ranking places OpenSecrets alongside major nonprofit newsrooms serving national and regional audiences, reflecting continued public demand for reporting that brings transparency to campaign finance, lobbying and political influence.
According to Nieman Lab’s analysis, traffic to nonprofit news organizations surged amid heightened interest in immigration enforcement, elections, and accountability in government. OpenSecrets’ placement underscores the role data-driven journalism plays in helping the public understand how money shapes policy and power.
“We exist to make political spending and influence more transparent to everybody,” said OpenSecrets Executive Director Hilary Braseth. “This recognition reflects the importance of accessible, nonpartisan reporting that helps people follow the money and understand how decisions in Washington and inside their state governments affect their lives,” Braseth concluded.
Throughout 2025, OpenSecrets published investigations and analyses examining record lobbying spending, political advertising trends, major donors, and the role of money in shaping elections and public policy. OpenSecrets data and reporting were cited widely by national and international news outlets. We remain a steady, go-to source for independent research and analysis for reporters, advocates, and elected officials on political spending as we head into the 2026 midterm election cycle.
The Nieman Lab report analyzed audience trends across nonprofit newsrooms, highlighting the growing role of independent, mission-driven journalism as audiences seek trusted information during periods of political and social change.
OpenSecrets is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to tracking money in U.S. politics and its impact on elections and public policy.
About OpenSecrets
Nonpartisan, independent and nonprofit, OpenSecrets is the trusted authority on money in American politics. Its mission is to provide comprehensive and reliable data, analysis, and tools for policymakers, storytellers and citizens. Its vision is for Americans to use data on money in politics to create a more vibrant, representative and responsive democracy.
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