US midterm election spending is expected to reach a record $11.9 billion in 2026. This will make the 2026 midterm elections the most expensive in US history. Rich individuals, political groups and campaign teams are spending billions of dollars to support candidates across the country.
Super PACs have played a major role in driving election spending. These political action committees can collect unlimited amounts of money from individuals, corporations and other organisations to support political causes and candidates. The concentration of election funding among a small group of wealthy individuals has also drawn attention.
An independent group that tracks election funding, total spending is expected to reach $11.9 billion, according to OpenSecrets. This is around 30% more than the previous record set during the 2022 midterm elections. Political action committees (PACs) and Super PACs accounted for around $5.5 billion of the spending recorded by mid-October, according to Federal Election Commission filings. The Brennan Center for Justice reported that the 40 biggest donors had contributed $2.4 billion by October 14.
“Spending in the 2026 midterms is shattering records, with more of the money coming from the wealthiest donors and groups this election,” US campaign finance expert Michael Beckel told the BBC.
