Where are the most expensive midterm races and who is funding them?
Summary
The 2026 midterm election cycle is projected to set a record for political ad spending, with $11.21 billion spent or reserved by October 26. Senate contests in Texas, Ohio and Michigan are among the costliest, as campaigns and outside groups spend heavily in close races that could affect control of Congress.Key Facts
- AdImpact estimated $11.21 billion in ad spending and reservations for the cycle as of October 26, compared with $3.2 billion during the 2024 presidential election season.
- More than $534 million has been spent on the Texas Senate race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton.
- Talarico raised $146 million, while Paxton raised about $22 million; outside groups spent nearly $300 million supporting Paxton and about $80 million supporting Talarico.
- The MAGA Inc super PAC, aligned with President Donald Trump, spent $37 million supporting Paxton.
- More than $435 million has been spent on the Ohio Senate race between Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican Jon Husted.
- About $248 million has been spent on Husted and $187 million on Brown in Ohio.
- An estimated $333 million has been spent on the Michigan Senate race between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.
- Rogers raised about $23 million and El-Sayed about $54 million; outside groups spent about $169 million supporting Rogers and $94 million supporting El-Sayed.
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