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Midterm Election Spending Surges to Record $11.9 Billion
Confirmed
In Short: Outside spending, largely driven by super PACs, is a significant factor in the surge, with spending in federal races now topping $2.4 billion.
The trend of increasing election spending, which began after the Supreme Court's 2010 decision on campaign finance laws, continues this year.
Outside spending, largely driven by super PACs, is a significant factor in the surge, with spending in federal races now topping $2.4 billion.
Between September 21 and October 7, spending in House races alone grew by nearly $190 million, according to OpenSecrets.
In addition to state-level spending, Kalshi has also committed to federal lobbying, spending nearly $1 million in the first half of the year.
OpenSecrets predicts outside spending will reach $3.9 billion in 2026, an 85% increase from previous years.
What this adds
OpenSecrets' analysis highlights the growing influence of outside spending and lobbying in shaping election outcomes.
The surge in spending underscores the competitive nature of the 2026 midterm elections and the strategic investments made by various organizations.
Background
The midterm ad war is set to become the most expensive on record, with spending expected to exceed $11 billion.
Pressherald and Thedispatch focused on the midterms and election coverage, with Pressherald providing updates on Maine's 2026 election and Thedispatch featuring election expert Steve Hayes.
What's confirmed
- The trend of increasing election spending, which began after the Supreme Court's 2010 decision on campaign finance laws, continues this year.
- Outside spending, largely driven by super PACs, is a significant factor in the surge, with spending in federal races now topping $2.4 billion.
- Between September 21 and October 7, spending in House races alone grew by nearly $190 million, according to OpenSecrets.
- In addition to state-level spending, Kalshi has also committed to federal lobbying, spending nearly $1 million in the first half of the year.
- OpenSecrets predicts outside spending will reach $3.9 billion in 2026, an 85% increase from previous years.
What's still developing
- Continuing a trend that has defined federal elections since the Supreme Court upended campaign finance law in 2010, OpenSecrets’ analysis of Federal Election Commission disclosure data shows that when all the reporting is in, we will have another record midterm election, with total spending reaching $11.9 billion.
- Follow the money to state legislators in all 50 states.
- Search by client, firm, industry, or issue to see who is spending to shape policy.