How much of a monetary advantage do Republicans have over Democrats leading up to the 2026 midterm elections?

Written By Jonathan Milner

Critical Analysis

Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:

  1. The midterm elections are Tuesday, November 3, 2026. According to the visual above, at this point, how much money do the Democrats have?

  2. According to the visual above, at this point, how much money do the Republicans have?

  3. Describe the difference between the amount of Republican and Democratic money?

  4. Why do you think there is such a difference?

  5. How do you think the difference will impact the midterm election?

  6. “Donald Trump has 99 problems going into the midterms,” one Democratic strategist said. “But money ain’t one.” Of Trump’s “99 problems” which one is most likely to have a the most detrimental impact on the Republican party in the midterm elections?

  7. in 95% of U.S. House elections the candidate who outspends their opponent wins. At the same time, Donald Trump is a historically unpopular candidate with a current approfal level of approximately 36%. How will the interplay of money and presidential unpopularity impact the 2026 midterm elections?

  8. Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, donated more than $291 million to Republican candidates, PACs, and outside spending groups during the 2024 election cycle, making him the top individual political donor. His funding, largely directed through his America PAC, primarily supported Donald Trump's campaign, along with over $19 million in the final weeks for congressional race. Since his feud with Mr. Trump last year, Elon Musk, has begun supporting the Republican Party, donating tens of millions of dollars in the last two months. How does Elon Musk represent the concept of democracy and political equality?

  9. Imagine the Democrats did win the midterm election and control of both houses of Congress. How would that impact the second half of Trump’s second term?

  10. For a decade, President Trump has falsely claimed U.S. elections are broken, riddled with corruption, widespread fraud, and faulty machines. He alleges the U.S. is the only country allowing mail-in voting and one political party to cheat in every election. However, despite his persistent claims, there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud, including by noncitizens, as Mr. Trump asserts. Why do you think the President continues to make these false claims, and how do you think these false claims of widespread voter fraud will impact the results of the 2026 midterm elections?

Write and Discuss

Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.

Act on your Learning

If you are going to be 18 by Tuesday, November 3, in most states you can already register to vote. It’s about time.

Get Creative

List a few of the least effective ways to spend money in an election. Be creative.

Learning Extension

Glossary

Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
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