The Republican shift to a 60% share of September congressional ad spending marks a reversal from 2024, when Democrats held 55%, and near parity in 2022. This is the first time this decade Republicans led spend in Senate battlegrounds, where they held a 26% expenditure lead over Democrats through September 30. However, that spending gap translated to only a 7% advantage in actual broadcast airings, with Democrats leading airtime in North Carolina and Ohio despite being outspent in both states.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Republicans Secure 60% Share of September Congressional Ad Spend
US Politics19 days ago
Total expenditures for advertising in House and Senate races reached $1.5 billion by the end of September, fueled by a $317 million surge in the final week alone. Republicans outspent Democrats by $200 million on congressional ads during the month, according to data from Ad Impact, as the GOP narrowed the spending gap in House races while dominating other categories.
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