Democrats warn they are running out of money and can’t keep up with Trump before the midterms
Por Jasmine Fernández — – World RSS Feed
Democrats warn they are running out of money and can’t keep up with Trump before the midterms
Ad-tracking data shows Republicans holding a nearly $200 million spending lead on television advertising through Election Day
Jasmine Fernández in Portland Tuesday 22 September 2026 02:57 BST
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Democratic officials and strategists across the country are raising concerns that a significant cash shortage could prevent the party from capitalizing on favorable political conditions in the November midterms.
According to ad-tracking data from AdImpact, Republicans are scheduled to spend $682 million on advertising from Monday through Election Day across all House and Senate races nationwide. By contrast, Democrats have reserved $491 million, giving the GOP a clear financial advantage in key battlegrounds.
The funding disparity is particularly noticeable in specific high-profile races.
In the Texas Senate contest, Republicans are on track to outspend Democrats by more than 8-to-1 through Election Day. In New Hampshire, GOP groups have booked $24 million in ad time compared to $15 million for Democrats. And in an upstate New York House race held by Republican Representative Mike Lawler, GOP reserves total $14.3 million compared to $1.7 million from Democrats.
The financial gap has forced Democratic leaders to step up fundraising efforts, traveling to donor-rich areas like New York to solicit emergency funding. Insiders increasingly anticipate that billionaire Michael Bloomberg may step in with major financial support late in the race, as reported by CNN.
open image in galleryInside the House Democratic caucus, leadership has increased pressure on members to contribute.
During a recent internal strategy meeting, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his team announced an additional $2 million commitment, while individual lawmakers pledged amounts ranging from $10,000 to $250,000. Representative Susie Lee suggested tying committee assignments to financial contributions.
“If you want to see a gavel in your hand, you should be feeling some pain and putting some money in and helping us get the majority,” Lee said.
By contrast, a closed-door meeting hosted by Vice President JD Vance for House Republicans generated roughly $20 million, a person briefed on the fundraising totals told CNN.
open image in galleryDespite the spending gap, senior Democrats express confidence in their ability to win, citing economic concerns and low public approval ratings for Donald Trump.
“We will have the money necessary to defend all of our battleground incumbents and at the same period of time, make sure we flip enough seats to take back the House of Representatives and more,” Jeffries told the outlet. “Republicans are desperate right now.”
However, local campaign officials warn that unmatched spending could alter outcomes.
“Unless more resources come in in support for House Democrats, we will ultimately leave seats on the table,” Mike Smith, leader of the primary House Democratic super PAC, told CNN.
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