San Diego political spending reaches millions ahead of 2026 elections

Significant amounts of money are flowing into San Diego County politics in anticipation of the 2026 midterm elections. An analysis of campaign finance filings reveals that millions of dollars have already been allocated toward various regional races and ballot measures.

The largest spenders identified include the California Democratic Party, the “Yes on B” campaign for Measure B, and the super PAC California Leads. Major contributors to these campaigns include the Laborers International Union of North America Local 89, the California Association of Realtors, and Sharp HealthCare.

Specific instances of influence include the California Association of Realtors spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to oppose a second home tax, and Sharp HealthCare funding a committee that supported a successful North County ballot measure involving the Tri-City Healthcare District.