Political advertising in the 2025–2026 election cycle is projected to total a record $11.6 billion, according to advertising intelligence company AdImpact.
Republican groups are expanding their advertising commitments ahead of the November 2026 midterms, including in states where the party has historically held an advantage.
Republicans expand advertising commitments
Elon Musk has reportedly directed approximately $366 million toward political efforts during the current cycle, including $276 million since July.
Much of that spending has supported efforts to preserve Republican control of Congress. His contributions include $158 million to the Senate Leadership Fund.
Republican organizations added $434 million to their Senate and House advertising commitments over three weeks as races became competitive in Kansas, Texas, Iowa and Florida.
Economic concerns shape the contests
Recent polling shows that the economy and household expenses rank among voters’ leading election concerns:
- 85% identify the economy as one of their most important election issues.
- 84% say the same about the cost of living.
- 79% disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of the cost of living.
- 74% disapprove of his handling of the economy.
In Kansas, which Trump won by approximately 16 percentage points in 2024, Republican Senator Roger Marshall faces Democrat Adam Hamilton in a reelection contest that recent polling shows is close.
Kansas has not elected a Democratic senator in more than 90 years. Polling cannot establish the eventual election result, but the contest is among those drawing Republican resources.
Wisconsin spending did not secure victory
In April 2025, Musk and affiliated organizations spent approximately $21 million supporting conservative candidate Brad Schimel in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election.
Combined spending by both sides exceeded $100 million, making it the most expensive judicial election in American history. Susan Crawford defeated Schimel by approximately 10 percentage points.
The result alone does not establish how Musk’s spending affected support or turnout. He also spent heavily during the 2024 presidential election, which Trump won.
Maryland primary offers another example
In 2024, Maryland Congressman David Trone, co-founder of Total Wine & More, committed approximately $62 million of his own money to his campaign for the Democratic Senate nomination.
His opponent, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, had substantially fewer financial resources. She also had strong endorsements, an established political network and outside support.
Trone’s advertising reached voters through television, online placements and mail. He entered the contest as a sitting congressman with campaign experience.
The Maryland State Board of Elections recorded 53.37% of the vote for Alsobrooks and 42.80% for Trone, a margin of more than 10 percentage points.
