Midterm Ad Spend Up 47%; California Leads With $315M Through May
Midterm political ad spending for 2026 has reached $3.9 billion through May 29, representing a 47% increase compared to 2022, primarily driven by California's spending of $315.8 million. Projections indicate $2.5 billion of the total political ad spend will go to connected TV (CTV), with approximately 70% of overall political ad expenditure directed towards TV and streaming/CTV platforms.
Key Takeaways
- 2026 midterm political ad spending hit $3.9 billion through May 29, up 47% from the same period in 2022.
- California is the highest-spending state, contributing $315.8 million; Tom Steyer's gubernatorial campaign alone spent $201.4 million.
- Roughly 70% of total political ad expenditure is directed to TV and streaming/CTV, with CTV projected for $2.5 billion.
- Los Angeles ($72.4 million), San Francisco ($31.2 million), and Atlanta ($30.4 million) are the top spending markets.
Why It Matters
The substantial 47% increase in midterm political ad spend, reaching nearly $4 billion by late May, indicates a major uplift in political advertising budgets much earlier in the election cycle. The dominant allocation towards TV and streaming/CTV, specifically $2.5 billion for CTV, underscores the continued shift of political dollars into digital video. This trend reinforces the critical role of streaming platforms for political campaigns seeking to reach targeted audiences efficiently. Industry observers should watch AdImpact's updated projections next month to gauge the full scope of this intensified political ad investment.
Read full article at mediapost.com