Campaigns are burning $11.6 billion on ads. Speed is what actually wins
AdImpact projects that political advertising will reach $11.6 billion in the 2026 election cycle, surpassing both the $8.9 billion midterm election record set in 2022 and the $11.2 billion spent during the 2024 presidential cycle. For the first time, a midterm election is on track to outspend the preceding presidential election.
TL;DR
- AdImpact forecasts political advertising to reach $11.6 billion in the 2026 election cycle.
- This amount surpasses the $8.9 billion spent in the 2022 midterm elections and the projected $11.2 billion for the 2024 presidential cycle.
- For the first time, a midterm election is expected to outspend the previous presidential election.
- In close races, the speed of responding to voter sentiment, attacks, or developments may be a key constraint, rather than just funding.