2025 U.S. Lobbying Trends: What’s Driving Record-High Spend?

Lobbying in the United States is on track to hit record highs yet again. In just the first quarter of 2025, federal lobbying expenditures topped $1.17 billion, putting the year on pace to surpass 2024’s record $4.5 billion spend.

From AI regulations to drug pricing battles to climate disclosure rules, companies and advocacy groups are spending big to shape the policies that matter most. And increasingly, those fights aren’t just in Washington—state legislatures are becoming pivotal battlegrounds for issues like technology, energy, and healthcare.

We analyzed billions of dollars in lobbying disclosures, top spender data, and state-level activity to uncover where influence is flowing—and what it means for the year ahead.

Check out the report to learn:

• Which industry poured over $220 million into lobbying in just the first quarter of 2025.
• Who leads the list of top spenders, from powerful trade associations to Fortune 500 giants.
• Why AI regulation has become one of the fastest-growing lobbying fronts, with more than 700 state-level bills introduced.
• How digital grassroots campaigns and AI-powered tools are transforming the lobbying playbook.
• What to expect in 2026, from Medicare drug price negotiations to global AI governance.