Most expensive midterm ever: OpenSecrets projects $11.9 billion in total spending, with outside groups up 85% from 2022

This year's midterm elections are projected to cost about $11.9 billion, the most of any midterm on record, according to OpenSecrets, which tracks money in politics. Its cost-of-election data puts the total at $11.93 billion. The estimate covers candidates, parties, PACs and outside groups, based on Federal Election Commission filings and past spending patterns, and leaves out transfers between committees so money isn't counted twice.

Outside spending, by super PACs and other groups not run by the campaigns, is projected at $3.9 billion, up 85% from 2022, OpenSecrets says. The Tampa Free Press also reports the projection.