Elections advertising spend for 2026 expected to reach record high, outpacing presidential years

The 2026 midterm election cycle could surpass the 2024 presidential cycle to reach record advertising spend for any U.S. election , according to a new report from advertising intelligence company AdImpact. This year's races are projected to reach $11.6 billion in ad spend, making it the most expensive cycle ever and eclipsing the $11.2 billion spent on ads for the 2024 election between now-President Donald Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris, AdImpact estimates. …