Republicans spent more, Democrats won more: Inside the costliest US midterm battle

The 2026 US midterm elections saw record campaign spending, with Republicans spending a whopping 60% more than Democrats but still lost seven stronghold seats.The results also reflected growing opposition to data centre projects and a shift in Latino voters' support towards Democrats.

The party won both chambers of Congress despite Republicans spending significantly more on Senate races.The elections also showed a change in voting patterns across several states, with many Latino voters moving back towards Democrats after backing Republicans in recent elections.The 2026 midterm elections are expected to be the most expensive in US history, according to nonpartisan watchdog group OpenSecrets.

Outside groups and independent committees spent at least $2 billion on the US Senate races, Reuters reported.This was separate from the money spent directly by candidates.Texas was among the biggest spending battlegrounds.