Unprecedented campaign spending has elevated toss-up Senate races in Texas, Ohio, and Michigan into the most expensive contests of the 2026 cycle. In Texas, the battle between James Talarico and Ken Paxton leads the nation at over $534 million, driven by nearly $300 million from outside conservative groups. Similar spending patterns have emerged in Michigan and Ohio, where hundreds of millions of dollars are flowing to bolster Republican contenders. Meanwhile, Texas has already logged nearly 4.5 million early votes cast during just the first week.
Key points
National midterm spending is on track to set a record while determining congressional con…: National midterm spending is on track to set a record while determining congressional control under President Trump.
Democratic candidates hold direct fundraising leads, but massive outside PAC spending hea…: Democratic candidates hold direct fundraising leads, but massive outside PAC spending heavily favors Republican nominees.
Early voter engagement is exceptionally high, with nearly 4.5 million Texas ballots cast…: Early voter engagement is exceptionally high, with nearly 4.5 million Texas ballots cast in week one.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Senate races in Texas, Michigan and Ohio rank among the most expensive in this year’s midterm cycle.
On Tuesday, voters across the United States will head to the polls to cast a ballot in the 2026 midterm elections.
The race is expected to serve as a referendum on Republican President Donald Trump’s job performance so far, at the halfway mark of his second term.
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Maintaining the Republican majority in both chambers of Congress will be key for the success of Trump’s legislative agenda in his final two years.
But control of the US Congress could hinge on a handful of closely contested Senate and House of Representatives races nationwide.
Candidates, political parties and outside groups are pouring…
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