US midterm election spending statistics for 2026 show OpenSecrets projecting $11.9 billion in federal campaign costs, the most expensive midterm on record and well above the $8.9 billion spent in 2022. AdImpact tracked $11.21 billion in political advertising and reservations through October 26, 2026, while Democratic candidates are projected to outspend Republican candidates $2.2 billion to $1.4 billion and Republican-aligned outside groups lead by nearly $400 million.
US Midterm Election Spending 2026 – Introduction
Midterm election spending reached a record level in 2026. OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan group that tracks money in politics, projects $11.9 billion in federal spending for the cycle. The 2022 midterms cost $8.9 billion. Adjusted for inflation, the 2026 total is about $1.7 billion higher than 2022, and it passes the total spent on congressional races in 2024.
This report separates several measures that often get mixed together. OpenSecrets counts federal candidates, parties and outside groups. AdImpact counts political advertising and reservations across federal, state and local races. Election Day was November 3, 2026, and final totals will rise as the Federal Election Commission receives late reports. The report presents the numbers for both parties and does not cover election results. Figures come from OpenSecrets, AdImpact, the Federal Election Commission and named news reports.
Interesting Facts About US Midterm Election Spending 2026
US Midterm Election Spending Estimates, 2026 ($ billions)
OpenSecrets federal projection | ████████████████████████ $11.9B
AdImpact ads and reservations | ██████████████████████ $11.21B
Outside spending | ████████ $3.9B
Candidate spending | ███████ $3.7B| Fact | 2026 Data |
|---|---|
| OpenSecrets projected federal total | $11.9 billion |
| AdImpact ads and reservations (October 26) | $11.21 billion |
| Outside spending projection | $3.9 billion |
| Candidate spending projection | $3.7 billion |
| Texas Senate ad spending and reservations | $560 million+ |
| Elon Musk’s reported election spending | About $446 million |
| Dark money spending so far | About $1.5 billion |
| Senate seats on the ballot | 35 |
Source: Federal Election Commission data analyzed by OpenSecrets, November 2026; AdImpact, October 2026; The Guardian; Spectrum News.
The two big totals measure different things. OpenSecrets’ $11.9 billion covers federal campaign money, split between $3.9 billion of outside spending and $3.7 billion of candidate spending. AdImpact’s $11.21 billion counts ads and reservations at every level, including governors and state races. Both sources call 2026 the most expensive midterm ever.
Individual donors and single races show the scale. Elon Musk has directed about $446 million to Republican-aligned groups, much of it tied to the Texas Senate race, according to The Guardian. Texas has drawn more than $560 million in advertising and reservations. OpenSecrets also counts about $1.5 billion in dark money, which cannot be traced to a source, and 35 Senate seats are on the ballot.
US Midterm Election Spending Total 2026 vs 2022 and 2024
Election Cycle Totals Compared ($ billions)
2022 midterms, OpenSecrets | ██████████████████ $8.9B
2022 midterms, ads (AdImpact) | ██████████████████ $8.9B
2024 election, ads (AdImpact) | ██████████████████████ $11.2B
2026 midterms, OpenSecrets | ████████████████████████ $11.9B| Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2026 federal projection (OpenSecrets) | $11.9 billion |
| 2022 midterm federal total (OpenSecrets) | $8.9 billion |
| Inflation-adjusted increase over 2022 | $1.7 billion |
| 2026 ads and reservations (AdImpact) | $11.21 billion |
| 2022 political ads (AdImpact) | $8.9 billion |
| 2024 political ads, presidential cycle (AdImpact) | $11.2 billion |
| AdImpact end-of-cycle forecast | $11.6 billion |
Source: OpenSecrets; AdImpact; Federal Election Commission data.
The 2026 federal projection exceeds the 2022 figure by $3.0 billion in nominal dollars, or $1.7 billion after inflation. OpenSecrets credits a rise in outside spending by super PACs. The advertising numbers follow the same path. AdImpact’s $11.21 billion through October 26 is about $2.3 billion above the 2022 midterm total of $8.9 billion.
The 2026 ad total already matches the $11.2 billion spent in the entire 2024 presidential cycle, which included more than $3 billion on the presidential race alone. AdImpact forecasts $11.6 billion by the end of the cycle. Spending on congressional races now exceeds spending on any previous election, including presidential campaigns, according to OpenSecrets.
House vs Senate Campaign Spending 2026
2026 Advertising Projections by Office (AdImpact, $ billions)
Senate | ██████████████████████████████████ $3.4B
Governor | ████████████████████████ $2.4B
House | ████████████████████ $2.0B+| Metric | 2026 Data |
|---|---|
| Democratic candidate spending projection | $2.2 billion+ |
| Republican candidate spending projection | $1.4 billion |
| Democratic Senate candidate spending | Almost $1 billion |
| Republican Senate candidate spending | Under $500 million |
| Senate ad spending projection | $3.4 billion |
| House ad spending projection | $2 billion+ |
| Republican vs Democratic broadcast ads, 9 tight Senate races | $233 million vs $121 million |
Source: OpenSecrets; AdImpact; Politico analysis of AdImpact data, October 2026.
Democratic candidates are projected to spend $2.2 billion from their own campaign accounts, compared with $1.4 billion for Republican candidates. In Senate races, Democratic candidates are projected at almost $1 billion against less than $500 million for Republicans. Much of that Democratic money is going to races in Texas and Georgia. Candidate fundraising gives Democrats the advantage, while outside groups give Republicans theirs. OpenSecrets says the candidate gap lets Democrats offset the Republican outside spending advantage.
Advertising shows the other side. AdImpact projects $3.4 billion of Senate advertising and more than $2 billion for House races. Republican-aligned advertisers outspent Democratic-aligned ones $233 million to $121 million on broadcast television across nine tight Senate races. In 21 House toss-up races, the Republican edge was only $14 million, so the gap is much wider in the Senate.
Super PAC and Outside Spending Statistics 2026
Super PAC Spending, 2026 ($ millions)
Senate Leadership Fund (R) | ████████████████████ $489M
MAGA Inc. (R) | ██████████████ $353M
Senate Majority PAC (D) | ██████████ $248M
House Majority PAC (D) | ████████ $192M| Group or Donor | Spending |
|---|---|
| Senate Leadership Fund (Republican-aligned) | $489 million |
| MAGA Inc. (Republican-aligned) | $353 million |
| Senate Majority PAC (Democratic-aligned) | $248 million |
| House Majority PAC (Democratic-aligned) | $192 million |
| Total outside spending projection | $3.9 billion |
| Elon Musk, reported giving | About $446 million |
| George Soros, reported giving to Democratic PACs | About $100 million |
| Direct corporate contributions | $653.9 million |
Source: OpenSecrets; Federal Election Commission filings through October 30, 2026; The Guardian; Spectrum News.
Super PACs account for most outside spending, which OpenSecrets projects at $3.9 billion, an increase of 85% from 2022. The Senate Leadership Fund has spent $489 million and MAGA Inc. $353 million. On the Democratic side, Senate Majority PAC has spent $248 million and House Majority PAC $192 million. Those four groups alone account for $1.28 billion.
Republican-aligned outside groups lead by nearly $400 million. OpenSecrets’ tally puts conservative groups at $2.03 billion and liberal groups at $1.67 billion. Musk’s roughly $446 million is just under 4% of the projected total. Soros has given about $100 million to Democratic PACs, and the top 40 donors have given $2.4 billion, a record at this stage, according to The Guardian. Direct corporate contributions total at least $653.9 million.
Most Expensive Senate and House Races in 2026
Most Expensive Senate Races, 2026 (ad spending and reservations, $ millions)
Texas (record) | ████████████████████████████ $560M+
Ohio | █████████████████████████ $500M+
Maine | ██████████ ~$200M| Race | Ad Spending and Reservations |
|---|---|
| Texas Senate (Talarico vs Paxton) | $560 million+ |
| Ohio Senate (Brown vs Husted) | $500 million+ |
| Maine Senate | About $200 million |
| Michigan Senate (Rogers vs El-Sayed) | Record spending, total not published |
| Previous nonpresidential record (Ohio Senate, 2024) | $538 million |
| Most expensive House race, 2024 (NY-19) | About $40 million |
Source: AdImpact, October 2026; NBC News analysis of 2024 AdImpact data; Reuters.
Texas now holds the record for the most expensive nonpresidential race in US history, with more than $560 million in advertising and reservations. That passes Ohio’s 2024 Senate race at $538 million. Ohio’s 2026 Senate contest has also topped $500 million, making it one of only 3 nonpresidential races to reach that mark. Maine is the most expensive Senate race per capita at about $200 million.
Michigan has set its own record, though AdImpact has not published a total. Georgia is the other Senate race where Democratic candidates are spending heavily. No House race matches those numbers. The most expensive House race of 2024, New York’s 19th District, drew about $40 million. In 2026, AdImpact projects $2 billion or more for all House races combined, so the costliest House contests remain a small fraction of the top Senate races.
Political Advertising and Fundraising Comparisons 2026
Political Ad Spending by Party Alignment, 2026 ($ billions)
Republican-aligned | █████████████████████ $5.18B
Democratic-aligned | ███████████████████ $4.77B| Metric | 2026 Data |
|---|---|
| Republican-aligned ad spending | $5.18 billion |
| Democratic-aligned ad spending | $4.77 billion |
| Broadcast television forecast | $5.6 billion (48%) |
| Connected TV forecast | $2.7 billion (23%) |
| Digital advertising forecast | $1.6 billion |
| October 2026 ad spending, all groups | $4.01 billion |
| Battleground Senate fundraising, Democrats vs Republicans | More than 5 to 1 |
Source: AdImpact; Politico; Newsweek analysis of AdImpact data, October 2026.
Republican-aligned advertisers have spent about $5.18 billion this cycle, and Democratic-aligned advertisers about $4.77 billion, according to AdImpact. In October alone, Republicans spent $1.9 billion and Democrats $1.76 billion of a record $4.01 billion. Independents spent about $350 million. October 2026 beat October 2024, which saw $3.83 billion, even without a presidential race.
Broadcast television remains the largest channel at a forecast $5.6 billion, or 48% of the total. Connected TV follows at $2.7 billion and digital at $1.6 billion. Democrats lead in fundraising. All 10 of the top Senate fundraisers are Democrats, and Democratic campaigns in the battleground Senate races have raised more than 5 times as much as Republican campaigns, according to Politico. Eight of the top 10 House fundraisers are Democrats.
Billionaire, Corporate and Dark Money Donations in the 2026 Midterms
2026 Midterm Donor Categories ($ millions)
Top 40 donors combined | ████████████████████████ $2,400M
Dark money | ███████████████ ~$1,500M
Direct corporate contributions | ███████ $653.9M
Elon Musk | ████ ~$446M
George Soros | █ ~$100M| Donor Category | 2026 Amount |
|---|---|
| Top 40 donors combined | $2.4 billion |
| Dark money | About $1.5 billion |
| Direct corporate contributions | $653.9 million |
| Elon Musk | About $446 million |
| George Soros | About $100 million |
| Other billionaires and spouses profiled by OpenSecrets | 14 |
| Top donor split, Republicans to Democrats | 3 to 1 |
Source: OpenSecrets analysis, November 2026; The Guardian; Federal Election Commission filings.
The top 40 donors have given $2.4 billion, a record at this stage of a cycle, and The Guardian reports their money favors Republicans by about 3 to 1. Musk leads all individuals at about $446 million. Nearly half of it has flowed toward Texas. Soros has given about $100 million to Democratic-aligned PACs. OpenSecrets also profiled 14 other billionaires and their spouses, including Michael Bloomberg, Richard Uihlein and Jeffrey Yass.
Corporate and hidden money add to the total. Direct corporate contributions reach at least $653.9 million, with crypto, artificial intelligence, gaming, private equity, venture capital and energy interests among the givers. Crypto firms such as Ripple and Coinbase have put tens of millions into ads in Texas, Ohio and Michigan. About $1.5 billion of 2026 spending is dark money. Super PACs must disclose donors, but they often receive money from groups that do not.
Governor, Senate, House and Channel Ad Spending Statistics 2026
Share of Third Quarter 2026 Political Ads by Channel (%)
Broadcast television | ██████████████████████████ 51%
Connected TV | ████████████ 23%
Digital | ████████ 15%
Cable, radio and other (derived) | ██████ 11%| Metric | 2026 Data |
|---|---|
| Senate ad projection (June) | $3.4 billion (up from $2.8 billion) |
| Governor ad projection (June) | $2.4 billion (up from $1.9 billion) |
| Congressional ad projection | $5 billion |
| Third quarter ads aired | $3 billion |
| Broadcast share of third quarter ads | 51% |
| Connected TV share of third quarter ads | 23% |
| Digital share of third quarter ads | 15% |
| Ads on utility and energy bills, first nine months | $191 million |
Source: AdImpact quarterly report and June 2026 forecast; Axios; Newsweek analysis of AdImpact data for Climate Power.
AdImpact raised both its Senate and governor forecasts during the year. Senate advertising moved from $2.8 billion to $3.4 billion, and governor advertising from $1.9 billion to $2.4 billion. Congressional races together are expected to draw a record $5 billion in ads. In 2025, 21% of all political and issue ad spending targeted Congress, compared with 5% in 2023 and 17% in 2021.
Streaming is taking share from broadcast. In the third quarter, $3 billion of ads aired. Broadcast took 51%, connected TV 23% and digital 15%, which leaves about 11% for cable, radio and other channels. Issue ads add another layer. More than $191 million went to ads that referenced utility and energy bills in the first nine months of 2026, including more than $138 million in the third quarter alone.
US Midterm Election Spending 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is Midterm Election Spending in 2026?
OpenSecrets projects $11.9 billion in federal spending for the 2026 cycle. AdImpact counted $11.21 billion in political ads and reservations through October 26, with a forecast of $11.6 billion. Figures may still change as late reports arrive.
Is 2026 the Most Expensive Midterm Election Ever?
Yes, by both measures. The 2022 midterms cost $8.9 billion. OpenSecrets’ 2026 projection is $11.9 billion, about $1.7 billion more after inflation.
How Much Have Super PACs Spent in the 2026 Midterms?
OpenSecrets projects $3.9 billion of outside spending, mostly from super PACs. The Senate Leadership Fund spent $489 million and MAGA Inc. $353 million. Senate Majority PAC spent $248 million and House Majority PAC $192 million.
Which Party Is Spending More in the 2026 Midterms?
It depends on the measure. Democratic candidates are projected to spend $2.2 billion against $1.4 billion for Republican candidates. Republican-aligned outside groups lead by nearly $400 million, and Republican-aligned advertisers lead $5.18 billion to $4.77 billion.
What Is the Most Expensive Senate Race in 2026?
Texas, with more than $560 million in advertising and reservations. That is the most for any nonpresidential race in US history. Ohio is second at more than $500 million.
How Much Has Elon Musk Spent on the 2026 Midterms?
The Guardian counts about $446 million, and OpenSecrets reports about $445 million to Republican PACs. Much of it supports the Texas Senate race.
How Much Has Been Spent on Political Ads in 2026?
AdImpact counted $11.21 billion in ads and reservations through October 26. Broadcast television is forecast at $5.6 billion, connected TV at $2.7 billion and digital at $1.6 billion.
How Much Do House and Senate Campaigns Cost in 2026?
AdImpact projects $3.4 billion of Senate advertising and more than $2 billion for House races. Democratic Senate candidates are projected at almost $1 billion in spending, compared with under $500 million for Republicans.
What Is Dark Money in the 2026 Midterms?
Dark money is spending that cannot be traced to a root source. OpenSecrets counts about $1.5 billion of it so far in 2026.
How Does 2026 Midterm Spending Compare With 2024 Ad Spending?
The 2026 ad total of $11.21 billion already matches the $11.2 billion spent across the 2024 presidential cycle. The 2024 total included more than $3 billion on the presidential race alone.
How Much Have Billionaires Spent on the 2026 Midterms?
The top 40 donors have given $2.4 billion, according to The Guardian. Musk is the largest individual at about $446 million, and Soros has given about $100 million. OpenSecrets profiled 14 other billionaires and their spouses.
How Much Corporate Money Is in the 2026 Midterms?
OpenSecrets counts at least $653.9 million in direct corporate contributions. The crypto, artificial intelligence, gaming, private equity, venture capital and energy sectors are among the largest givers.
Which Advertising Channels Get the Most Midterm Money in 2026?
Broadcast television leads at a forecast $5.6 billion, or 48% of the total. Connected TV is forecast at $2.7 billion and digital at $1.6 billion. Broadcast took 51% of third quarter ads.
How Does Candidate Spending Compare With Outside Spending in 2026?
OpenSecrets projects $3.7 billion from House and Senate candidates and $3.9 billion from outside groups. Democrats lead among candidates at $2.2 billion to $1.4 billion. Republican-aligned outside groups lead by nearly $400 million.
How Much Was Spent on Political Ads in October 2026?
AdImpact reports a record $4.01 billion in October. Republicans spent $1.9 billion, Democrats $1.76 billion and independents about $350 million. October 2024 saw $3.83 billion.
How Much Was Spent on the Texas Senate Race in 2026?
AdImpact counts more than $560 million in ad spending and reservations, a record for any nonpresidential race. Republican advertisers account for more than half of an earlier $500 million tally.
Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.