Republicans spent an estimated $183 million on television ads focused on transgender-related messaging against Democrats during the 2026 midterm election cycle. Texas' Senate race received the largest share of this spending at an estimated $58 million. The ads produced about 217,000 TV spots nationwide through October 25.
Where
Statewide
When
Through October 25, 2026
Sources
Reported by 2 outlets
Taxes and money
The sources don't state an effect on taxes. They do state these figures.
Television advertising spending on transgender-related attacks$183 million123Who pays or receives it: Republicans
Television advertising spending in Texas Senate race$58 million123Who pays or receives it: Republicans
Who's involved
Republicanspolitical advertisers
Donald TrumpRepublican rally speaker
The facts
Republicans spent $183 million on transgender-related TV ads in 2026 midterms through Oct. 25.123Stated by 3 sources
The ads produced about 217,000 TV spots nationwide through October 25.123Stated by 3 sources
Spending exceeds amount Republicans spent on similar ads in 2024 at same point before Election Day.123Stated by 3 sources
Texas Senate contest received largest share of Republican transgender-related ad spending at $58 million.123Stated by 3 sources
Texas spending included more than 50,000 airings of transgender-related ads.123Stated by 3 sources
Who said what
These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.
Trump Democrats promote transgender mutilation of children.123
Trump Men in women's sports and gender mutilation are urgent threats.123
Republicans Transgender issue can help overcome voters' concerns about Trump and economy.123
These outlets were found through Google News headlines. Google decides which outlets appear there, and they lean mostly one way, so this sheet can only be as balanced as the reporting it was built from. Leanings are AllSides Media Bias Ratings.
Glen Maxey, Texas's first openly gay legislator, helped Democrat James Talarico win his 2018 state House race by flagging unregistered voters in Talarico's Williamson County district and sending them prefilled registration forms. Talarico now faces Republican Ken Paxton in a U.S. Senate race on November 3.
Glen Maxey, Texas's first openly gay legislator; helped with Talarico's 2018 campaign; James Talarico, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate; won 2018 House race with Maxey's help; Ken Paxton, Republican nominee for U.S. Senate and 4 more
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton held a campaign rally in Fort Worth on Saturday as part of his U.S. Senate race against Democrat James Talarico. Supporters were bused in from rural counties including Wise and Jack counties.
Ken Paxton, Republican attorney general and U.S. Senate nominee; James Talarico, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate; JD Enright, Paxton supporter who paid for bus from Runaway Bay
As Election Day approaches, Texas voters said immigration is a key issue motivating them to vote early. Some expressed concern about deportations under the Trump administration, while others cited concerns about illegal immigration.
The 2026 midterm elections will be held on Tuesday, November 3, with voters casting ballots for all 435 House seats, 35 Senate races, and governor positions in 39 states. CBS News will provide live coverage of results and analysis across multiple platforms beginning after polls close.
CBS News, broadcaster providing election coverage; Tony Dokoupil, anchor; Norah O'Donnell, anchor and 3 more
Texas Secretary of State Robert Howden announced the state has 19 million registered voters, a record number. As of October 23, more than 2.7 million Texans had voted early, with early voting ending October 30.
$$150 million for spending supporting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
Robert Howden, Texas Secretary of State; Greg Abbott, Governor, Republican, seeking fourth term; Gina Hinojosa, Democrat, Austin state representative, candidate for governor and 3 more
Texas voters cast a record 7.4 million early ballots in person and by mail for the 2026 midterm elections as of Friday, Oct. 30. This surpasses the 5.5 million early votes in 2022 and 4.9 million in 2018.
Texas Secretary of State's office, reported voting data
Rio Grande Valley voters are reconsidering their political allegiances ahead of the 2026 election, citing economic hardship as their primary concern. Trump won 14 of 18 border counties in 2024, but some voters who supported him then cite tariffs and rising costs as reasons to reconsider.
Jesus Robles, mechanical bull business owner in Rio Grande Valley; Vicente Gonzalez, Democratic U.S. Representative; Henry Cuellar, Democratic U.S. Representative and 5 more
Advertising spending in the Texas U.S. Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico has exceeded $500 million, making it the second nonpresidential race to reach that threshold. The election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
$over $500 million for advertising spending and reservations in Texas Senate race
Ken Paxton, Republican U.S. Senate candidate, Texas attorney general since 2015; James Talarico, Democrat U.S. Senate candidate, state legislator since 2019; Elon Musk, Funder of political committees supporting Paxton and 1 more