MIDTERM AD SPENDING SET TO SHATTER RECORDS U.S. midterm election advertising is projected to hit a record $11.6 billion, surpassing even the 2024 presidential cycle. Fierce Senate and governor races, costly ballot measures, and massive spending by campaigns, super PACs, and emerging industries like AI and online gambling are fueling the surge. Senate races alone are expected to draw $3.4 billion in media buys, making 2026 the most expensive midterm ever.(*Walter Bloomberg)