The final Federal Election Commission (FEC) reports before the November midterm elections are due by midnight on Friday, October 15, 2026. Candidates and some outside groups have begun releasing their fundraising totals ahead of the deadline, indicating their financial positions in the lead-up to Election Day.
FEC reports provide insights into which candidates may have momentum as the elections approach. Republican groups are currently leading in overall fundraising compared to their Democratic counterparts.
However, many individual Democratic Senate candidates are significantly outpacing their Republican rivals in fundraising. As of the publication date, some campaigns have yet to disclose their fundraising figures.
Key points include:
- GOP groups report record-breaking fundraising quarters. Outside GOP groups have raised substantial amounts of money, supported by wealthy donors and control of the White House and Congress. The Congressional Leadership Fund (CLF), linked to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), reported a record $94.4 million raised in the third quarter. Together with the American Action Network, they have raised $370 million this election cycle, the highest amount ever for these organizations. The CLF has $155.2 million cash on hand. CLF President Chris Winkelman stated, "We are actively deploying resources to shape the competitive map and keep Democrat extremists out of power."
- The Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), associated with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), raised $273 million in the third quarter, with $155 million on hand. A significant portion of this funding, $158 million, came from tech billionaire Elon Musk in September, marking one of the largest political contributions recorded.
- In Texas, Democratic nominee James Talarico raised $64 million in the third quarter, surpassing the previous record held by Jaime Harrison, who raised $57 million in 2020. In contrast, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and affiliated groups raised $18 million during the same period. Republican groups have invested at least $350 million in the Texas Senate race.
- Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, the Democratic Senate nominee, raised over $19.5 million in the third quarter, while his Republican opponent, Michael Whatley, has paused future TV advertisements. Polling indicates Cooper has consistently led Whatley in fundraising and voter support.
- Former Representative Mary Peltola announced she raised $17 million in the third quarter, a record for a Senate candidate in Alaska. This amount is more than double her previous quarter's total.
- Kansas Democratic Senate nominee Adam Hamilton raised $10.6 million in the third quarter, a significant increase from $3.66 million in the second quarter. This surge is attributed to rising gas prices and dissatisfaction with the current administration.
- Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) raised $33 million in the third quarter, maintaining a lead over his Republican opponent, Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA).
- Republican Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers raised $9.7 million in the third quarter, while his opponent, Abdul el Sayed, is narrowly leading in polling.
- Several potential presidential candidates are accumulating substantial funds ahead of the 2028 race, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) with $4 million raised and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) with $1.8 million raised.
- Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) raised $5.2 million in the third quarter, with a notable donation of $3,500 from former President George W. Bush. Polling indicates a tight race between Collins and her opponent, Troy Jackson.