Adimpact, which tracks political spending ads, says the current price tag for the dollar spent on the upcoming 2026 elections is just over $1 billion.
Most of the money is spent on broadcasting, cable, radio, digital and satellite.
Here are the remaining periods of 2025 and forecasts for 2026:
2026 is the most expensive midterm on record, with political advertising spending projected to rise by more than 20% from 2022.
A $5 Billion Battle for Congress: The House and Senate races are projected to total $5 billion, almost half of all cycle spending.
Early expenditure spikes: Advertisers already spent $900 million until August 26, 2025, far surpassing 2023 and 2021
But not all the money is spent solely on the race, and not publishing advertisements. Healthcare issuance 2026 ($52 million), immigration issuance 2026 ($43 million), and New York City mayoral race ($39 million).
Advertiser type breakouts: Advocate advertisers (73%), candidates (27%).
Top Teams: Pro-Healthcare ($47 million), Ejection Prevention ($40 million), Democrats ($3.1 million), Probig Beautiful Invoice ($26 million), Abigail Spanburger ($25 million).
Which political parties spend the most? According to AD Impact, Democrats will spend around $450 million, independents will spend $319 million, and Republicans will spend $298 million.
Top advertisers who spend money in the media are the US Department of Homeland Security ($43 million), Virginia Governor Spanberger ($25 million), One Country ($24 million), Greater Garden State ($19 million), and Americans for Prosperity ($18 million).
Which specific media venues earn the most money? AD Impact, Broadcast ($334 million), Digital ($280 million), Cable ($228 million), CTV ($109 million), Radio ($29 million), Satellite ($4 million).
In the upcoming Florida governor race, GOP candidate Byron Donald has already raised more than $22 million in the GOP primary, and those numbers are expected to rise.
