2026 Midterm Ad Spending Projected at Record $11.6 Billion; Trump Appeared in 500,000-Plus Ads in Q2

AdImpact now projects 2026 midterm political ad spending at a record $11.6 billion, raised from a September 2025 estimate of $10.8 billion. The firm's Q2 roundup, published July 15, found Donald Trump appeared in more than 500,000 ads during the quarter — exceeding every issue category including immigration, taxes, healthcare and crime.