Texas Senate race becomes costliest non-presidential contest in US history
Political advertising spending in the Texas Senate race has reached $573 million ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections.
At a glance
- Texas Senate race advertising spending reaches $573 million, a non-presidential record
- Democrat James Talarico leads Republican Ken Paxton by seven points in latest poll despite Republican advertising advantage
- First election cycle with two non-presidential races exceeding $500 million in advertising spending
The Texas Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico has set a record for non-presidential contests, with political advertising spending and reservations totalling $573 million, according to advertising intelligence firm AdImpact. The figure comprises $165.7 million in primary advertising spending and $407.5 million in general election spending and reservations.
Despite Republicans holding a substantial advertising advantage, a New York Times/Siena University poll shows Talarico ahead by seven percentage points. Texas has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1988. This is the first election cycle in which two non-presidential races have exceeded $500 million in political advertising, following the 2024 Ohio Senate race.
Why it matters
The record spending reflects the competitive nature of midterm elections and the increasing cost of political campaigns in the United States.
Original reporting
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