Republicans emphasize transgender ads, putting cultural issues over economy
Summary
Republicans spent an estimated $183 million on television ads attacking Democrats over transgender-related issues in the final phase of the 2026 midterm campaign, according to data through Oct. 25. The strategy aims to energize voters, even as polling cited in the article found that far more voters prioritize the economy and cost of living.Key Facts
- Republican-backed groups aired about 217,000 transgender-focused television ads nationwide through Oct. 25.
- The estimated $183 million in spending exceeded Republican spending on similar ads at the same point before the 2024 election.
- Texas received an estimated $58 million for more than 50,000 airings, the largest share of the spending described.
- Republicans also invested in ads targeting Democrats in Ohio, Kansas, South Carolina, Iowa and Mississippi.
- An October AP-NORC poll found about 1 in 10 registered voters said transgender issues were among the election’s most important issues.
- The same poll found roughly 8 in 10 cited the economy or cost of living.
- President Donald Trump highlighted transgender-related themes at campaign rallies while playing down rising gasoline prices and other costs.
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