> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.medianexis.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Midterm ad spend set to hit $12 billion as CTV lags broadcast
- URL: https://www.medianexis.com/midterm-ad-spend-set-to-hit-12-billion-as-ctv-lags-broadcast/
- Published: 2026-10-27T14:25:24.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-02T18:39:36.000Z
- Description: MediaPost’s Joe Mandese reports that political advertising forecasters now project the 2025-26 midterm cycle will total $12 billion, with linear local broadcast TV still accounting for 50% of the $11.038 billion spent cycle-to-date versus CTV’s 21% share.
- Author: The Signals Desk
- Tags: Measurement, Joe Mandese, Sam Bradley, MediaPost: October Surprises column

**Why it matters.** CTV platforms that keep rejecting political ads and withholding competitive spend data will keep ceding share to broadcast and digital rivals already capturing the windfall.

*Based on reporting by* [*mediapost.com*](https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/418976/october-surprises-or-not.html?ref=medianexis.com) *—* [*Joe Mandese*](https://www.medianexis.com/tag/by-joe-mandese/) *·* [*digiday.com*](https://digiday.com/media-buying/midterm-political-spending-throws-spanner-into-regional-advertiser-holiday-plans/?ref=medianexis.com) *—* [*Sam Bradley*](https://www.medianexis.com/tag/by-sam-bradley/)*.*