Though Democrats spent slightly more of their official House budgets last year, Republican members made up 2016's highest and lowest spenders, according to a new LegiStorm analysis of how representatives use their official budgets.
Members spent an average of 91.13 percent of their allowed budgets, with Democrats spending slightly more (92.59 percent) and Republicans spending slightly less (90.77 percent). But Republicans comprised the top eight highest spenders, with Rep. John Carter in the lead: The Texas congressman's office used nearly 99.5 percent of its funds, leaving roughly $6,600 of his $1.26 million budget unspent.
Other representatives who tipped the scale at more than 99 percent were engaged in contentious reelection battles. The House's number 2 spender, David Jolly (Fla.), lost his bid to Democrat Charlie Crist, while William Hurd (Texas) defeated his general-election rival. They spent upwards of $63,000 and $40,000, respectively, on franked mailings in an effort to reach constituents before election day.
Some members, however, sent a substantial part of their budgets back to the Treasury. Daniel Webster led the penny pinchers by far, spending only 61.51 percent. The Florida Republican was trailed by Reps. Dave Brat (Virginia) and retired Rep. Steve Fincher (Tenn.), whose expenses each accounted for just under three quarters of their allowances.
