The 2026 elections may still be almost a year away, but the money is already pouring in, with new data from AdImpact showing that nearly 20% of all political advertisements aired in 2025 were actually aimed at the midterm elections.
AdImpact, which tracks political spending across broadcast, cable, and streaming television, recorded a historic $1.87 billion in aired political advertisements in 2025, the highest off-year total on record. Much of that money has already concentrated in a small group of marquee contests expected to define the 2026 cycle, led by the Texas Senate race, which alone drew $57.6 million in advertising last year. Georgia’s Senate race follows with $26.1 million, while California’s open governor’s race has seen $20.5 million. Maine’s Senate race has reached $15.3 million, Illinois’s Senate contest $14.7 million, and Kentucky’s Senate race is close behind at $14 million.
