Map Shows Utility Bills in Each State as Rising Costs Become Midterm Weapon
Summary
Political groups have spent over $191 million on ads about rising utility bills in 2026 midterm elections, mainly by Democrats in key states. These ads focus on the high cost of electricity, which has been increasing faster than overall inflation and is a top concern for voters.Key Facts
- Over $191 million was spent on political ads about utility and energy bills in the first nine months of 2026.
- More than $138 million of that spending occurred in the third quarter of 2026.
- Democrats accounted for about 70% of the spending on these utility-related ads.
- Most ads aired in battleground states like Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Texas.
- Average residential electricity rates in the U.S. rose 5% year-over-year to 18.34 cents per kilowatt-hour as of October 2026.
- The states with the highest average monthly electricity bills include Hawaii ($268) and California ($190).
- Polling shows 56% of voters prioritize lowering energy costs over fighting climate change.
- Nearly all voters reported that their electricity bills stayed the same or increased over the past year.
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