Republicans spend $183 million on transgender-related ads

Republicans and their support groups have reportedly spent approximately $183 million on advertising campaigns targeting Democrats over transgender-related issues ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. This spending represents a 20 percent increase compared to the same period during the 2024 election cycle.

The advertising campaign has produced roughly 217,000 television spots nationwide. Key themes in the advertisements include gender-affirming healthcare for minors, the participation of transgender women in women’s sports, and parental rights. Several ads accuse Democratic candidates of supporting taxpayer-funded gender-reassignment surgeries for children.

Texas has seen the highest concentration of this spending, with about $58 million directed toward the state Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico. While ads target Talarico regarding surgeries for minors, Talarico has publicly stated that he opposes such procedures. In Ohio, nearly $26 million has been spent on similar attacks against Democratic candidate Sherrod Brown.