Record $12 Billion Spending Marks 2026 U.S. Midterms
What Happened
On November 3, 2026, Americans will vote in the midterm elections, deciding control of all 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats, and 36 governorships. Republicans currently hold a 53–47 Senate majority and 218 House seats, while Democrats need a net gain of 3 House seats and 4 Senate seats to flip control. Polls conducted in mid‑September show Democrats leading Republicans 53–41% among registered voters, with a 57–32% lead among independents. President Donald Trump’s approval ratings range between 32–41%, with 55% of voters saying his policies hurt the economy. Campaign spending is projected to surpass $12 billion, breaking records for both midterms and presidential cycles.
Key Takeaways
The 2026 midterms are set to be the most expensive in U.S. history, with Democrats showing strong fundraising and polling momentum. Control of Congress will hinge on a handful of competitive races, while Trump’s low approval ratings may weigh on Republican chances.