AdImpact expects radio to generate $273 million in political advertising during the 2026 midterm cycle. The medium has already captured $166 million, putting radio on pace for another major election-year haul.
What We Know: AdImpact reports that radio has collected $166 million in political advertising during the 2026 cycle. That figure represents a more than 33% increase from the previous month. Meanwhile, AdImpact forecasts $273 million in total radio spending for the cycle. Therefore, advertisers would need to spend another $107 million in just over one month to reach that projection.
What The Numbers Show: Overall political advertising spending has reached $7.6 billion during the 2026 cycle, according to AdImpact. Broadcast TV remains the largest recipient, collecting $3.9 billion so far. Additionally, AdImpact projects $11.6 billion in total spending for the cycle. If that forecast holds, spending would surpass the 2024 presidential election cycle.
What Remains Unclear: Radio’s ability to reach the $273 million projection will depend heavily on spending during the final weeks before Election Day. However, AdImpact notes that October typically represents the busiest month for political ad spending. That could provide radio with a significant opportunity to close the remaining gap.
What It Means: Radio has already secured a larger share of political advertising than it had one month earlier. Still, the industry faces a $107 million gap to AdImpact’s forecast. As campaigns enter the busiest portion of the election cycle, radio could see its largest wave of political spending arrive in October.
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