A map highlights which states are seeing the most money being spent on advertising ahead of November’s midterm elections, according to data from the media tracking firm AdImpact.

New data from AdImpact shows California, Texas, Michigan and Ohio are projected to attract the largest share of political advertising spending this cycle.

The spending reflects where parties and outside groups believe elections could be won or lost. Competitive Senate races, closely watched gubernatorial contests and the fight for congressional control are driving unprecedented investment in key states.

Where the Money Is Being Spent

California leads the nation with a projected $979 million in ad spending, followed by:

• Michigan: $851 million
• Texas: $850 million
• Ohio: $748 million.

AdImpact says that Senate contests are fueling spending in Texas, Michigan and Ohio, while California's gubernatorial race is on track to become the most expensive of its kind in U.S. history.

The spending surge comes as both parties prepare for elections that could reshape Washington. Republicans currently hold the House and Senate, but Democrats need only a small number of gains to challenge GOP control of Congress and complicate President Donald Trump's legislative agenda during the second half of his term.

2026 on Track for Record Political Spending

AdImpact says that the 2026 election cycle is on pace to become the most expensive in U.S. history.

Total political advertising spending is projected to reach $11.6 billion, surpassing the $11.2 billion spent during the 2024 presidential election cycle.

Broadcast television remains the dominant advertising platform and is expected to account for roughly $5.6 billion of spending.

AdImpact projects another $2.6 billion will flow to connected TV, while digital platforms including Facebook, Google, Snapchat and X are expected to attract around $1.6 billion.

As of June 1, AdImpact had already tracked $4 billion in political advertising spending—46 percent more than at the same point in the 2024 presidential cycle.

"Much of that surge is driven by a concentrated set of high-profile, high-dollar contests that materialized earlier in the cycle than is typical," the report said.

AdImpact also said that, while redistricting has altered the congressional map, the districts that remain competitive are likely to attract even greater concentrations of campaign spending.

"From record-setting races and surging party committee war chests to a competitive landscape that continues to expand, all indicators point to 2026 being the most expensive political advertising cycle in history," the report said.

Which Races Are Driving Spending?

Senate races are expected to attract the largest share of spending, with nearly $3.4 billion projected.

House races are forecast to draw around $2 billion, while gubernatorial contests are expected to account for roughly $2.4 billion.

Down-ballot and state legislative contests are also expected to break records, with projected spending of $3.7 billion surpassing the previous high of $3.2 billion set in 2022.

One contest stands out above the rest.

AdImpact projects that Texas' Senate race between Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democratic State Representative James Talarico could become the most expensive race of the cycle, with spending reaching $446 million.

"With two new candidates on the ballot this November, the race takes on the character of an open seat, and outside groups on both sides are expected to pour money in accordingly," AdImpact said, suggesting spending could ultimately exceed current projections.