The 2026 midterm campaign is entering its final stretch with both unusually heavy advertising spending and an unusually large number of members of Congress heading for the exits.
Two super PACs aligned with President Trump have reserved more than $150 million in television and digital advertising, according to NPR, with the bulk of that spending aimed at House and Senate races in traditionally safe Republican districts that have become competitive this cycle. The spending reflects a recognition among Republican strategists that several races once considered comfortable now require real investment to hold.
Separately, an NPR analysis found that close to 100 lawmakers who started this Congress will not be returning for the next one, a total driven by a record-setting pace of retirements and primary defeats. As of September, 61 representatives and two non-voting delegates have announced they will not seek reelection, split between 26 Democrats and 37 Republicans, with 29 of them retiring specifically to run for other offices. That is the second-highest number of House retirements in a single election cycle in American history, trailing only 1992, when 65 members retired.
The political backdrop for this cycle has been shaped heavily by foreign policy. The six-month-old conflict involving Iran has become a defining issue, complicating what had been a campaign pledge from Trump to avoid new foreign entanglements and creating a challenge for Republican candidates defending narrow majorities in both the House and Senate. Inflation and the cost of living, both connected in part to higher energy prices from the conflict, have also emerged as top concerns among voters heading into November.
Watch for additional ad spending disclosures and further retirement announcements as filing deadlines close out in several remaining states over the coming weeks.
Why are so many members of Congress retiring this cycle?
NPR's analysis attributes the wave to a mix of voluntary retirements and primary defeats, with dozens of members also leaving to seek other offices.
Where is the super PAC ad money being spent?
Reporting indicates the spending is concentrated primarily in House and Senate races in traditionally safe Republican districts that have become more competitive this year.