Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) predicted that the 2026 elections will be the most expensive midterm elections on record.
Scott, head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, told donors at a Palm Beach, Florida, retreat that the Republican Party should prepare for the most expensive race in its history, an attendee told Politico. Funds will be focused on six states, with three offensive targets — Georgia, Michigan, and New Hampshire, and three defensive targets — Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio.
“Winning is expensive, so cash is king,” the attendee reportedly quoted Scott as saying, adding that “just two” of the Republican-held states would cost over $1 billion to defend.
The South Carolina senator estimated that spending from both parties would amount to “$400 million-$600 million in Maine and $700 million in North Carolina. And in Ohio, Bernie Moreno’s race cost $550 million last year. We need to win there again with Jon Husted.”
The 2022 elections broke the previous record for being the most expensive midterm election races in U.S. history, at $8.9 billion.
Presidential election cycles consume far more funds, with the 2024 cycle seeing a record-breaking $15.9 billion in spending.
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Republicans are still celebrating their blowout 2024 victory, which saw them win the government trifecta and the presidential popular vote for the first time since 2004. Even still, the 2026 campaign season will begin later this year.
The 2026 election cycle will see all House seats and 33 Senate seats up for grabs, with the possibility of greatly altering President Donald Trump’s ability to enact his agenda.
