The 2026 election cycle is off to a hot start, as political advertising for mid-term campaigns and issues has already surpassed $1 billion, according to AdImpact.
The figure represents spending from broadcast television and radio, cable, digital, satellite, and connected TVs.
Issue-based spending has helped the figure grow, with more than $104 million spent on healthcare-related issues, while immigration advertising has reached more than $75 million. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has spent more than $74 million alone, according to AdImpact data.
Digital advertising has received the largest share of any medium thus far. It has earned 34% of all political advertising to this point. Connected TV has secured 22% of the political marketing, while cable is just behind at 21%. 19% of the election cycle spending has been earmarked for broadcast television, with terrestrial radio only receiving 3% of the overall spend.
When split by party affiliation, 32% of all political advertising placed has been for Republican-backed issues and candidates, while Democrats have spent 27%. 41% of the spending tracked by AdImpact has been placed by independent groups and advocates.
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