Senate Battle Drives Record $11.6 Billion US Midterm Spending

The fight for the US Senate has expanded into unexpected states, pushing spending in the November midterms to an estimated $11.6 billion — already exceeding total outlays for the entire 2024 presidential race, according to AdImpact. With 36 days until Election Day on Nov. 3, 2026, Democrats are leading or gaining in previously safe Republican states including Iowa, Kansas, Alaska, Ohio and Texas. The party needs to flip four seats to take the majority. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates seven Senate races as toss-ups. Republicans retain a financial edge, outspending Democrats in all seven toss-up contests. In Texas, GOP groups have booked $59 million in ad time versus $4 million for Democrats; in Maine, $37 million to $24 million. During the first three weeks of September, Republicans outspent Democrats $213 million to $112 million in those races, boosted by super PAC donations from billionaires including Ken Griffin and Elon Musk. Excluding outside money, Democratic candidates collectively outspent Republican rivals by $48 million.