Billions spent as 2026 becomes the most expensive election in U.S. history
Outside groups and wealthy donors are driving the surge, with nearly $12 billion projected and more than half of spending tied to PACs and super PACs.
- Corporate political spending in the 2026 midterms reached approximately $737 million, a 60 percent increase from the 2024 presidential election, according to Public Citizen, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization.
- Robert Weissman, Public Citizen co-president, said corporations are using the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision to drive political spending to unprecedented levels. The ruling allows unlimited corporate contributions to campaigns.
- Big Tech, cryptocurrency, and online betting interests collectively contributed $391 million toward the 2026 elections, accounting for more than half of corporate political spending reported this cycle.
- According to AdImpact, an ad tracking firm, $11.15bn has been spent on advertising by the end of October, with traditional broadcast television remaining the top beneficiary while digital ad expenditures continue to increase.
- Billionaire businessman Elon Musk has donated almost half a billion dollars, primarily to America PAC and the Republican-aligned Senate Leadership Fund, while billionaire financier George Soros and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg have contributed millions to liberal groups.
84 Articles
84 Articles
The Midterms are expected to cost almost 12 billion dollars in 2026. Super-PACs and large donors in particular drive campaign spending to record levels.
Elon Musk is among the biggest contributors. But where does the money actually end up?
Both parties spent $3.9 billion on advertising, making these elections the most expensive since 2018.
Before any U.S. election, as much money was donated as before. Largest donor is the richest person in the world: X-Chief Elon Musk.
A Look at Midterms Spending —and the 'Dark Money'
The 2026 midterms aren't just drawing voters—they're drawing previously cash. Total spending is on track to hit near $12 trillion, per OpenSecrets , which would make this the precious midterm cycle in US history and roughly a third higher than 2022. More than half of the money so far—about...
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