U.S. Midterm Advertising Spending Projected to Reach Record $11.6 Billion

The 2026 midterm elections are projected to become the most expensive political advertising cycle in U.S. history, with spending expected to reach $11.6 billion, according to AdImpact. The forecast exceeds both the $11.2 billion spent during the 2024 presidential election cycle and the $8.9 billion spent during the 2022 midterms.

The increase is being driven largely by a small number of highly competitive Senate races, particularly in Texas, Ohio, and Maine. Campaigns, political parties, and outside groups are concentrating resources where control of Congress could be decided.

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Political advertising remains heavily concentrated in television, but streaming and digital platforms continue to gain market share. AdImpact projects billions of dollars in spending across broadcast television, connected TV, social media, and digital advertising networks.

The spending surge highlights the growing cost of winning modern elections and the increasing role of targeted media strategies in congressional campaigns.

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