To track these expenditures, Wired has developed an interactive tool that updates daily, providing real-time information on America PAC's spending patterns. The tracker draws data from filings submitted to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), which are processed and made public every day.

The FEC records detail all payments made by America PAC for advertisements, mailers, and text messages. These expenditures offer a glimpse into the PAC's strategy and priorities in the midterms.

In contrast to its previous cycle, America PAC has reported significantly lower spending this year, with $261 million spent during the 2024 elections, compared to the same point last time around.

The majority of America PAC's spending this election cycle has focused on financing campaigns that target Democrats.

According to a review of campaign expenditures, for every dollar spent supporting a Republican candidate, more than two dollars went towards opposing a Democrat as of October 6.

This trend is particularly evident in Senate races, where the ratio of negative to positive campaign messaging has been even more skewed, with three times as much money being spent on attacking Democrats compared to supporting Republicans.

The high stakes for Republicans this November are due in part to the possibility of Democrats taking control of the US Senate, which could happen if they win four key battleground races and retain their current seats.

Polls have consistently shown Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton lagging behind his Democratic challenger, Rochelle Garza, with a significant gap in voter preference since mid-August.

A recent poll conducted by Marist University found Garza leading Paxton by 6 points among registered voters, reflecting a trend seen across multiple public polls.

Meanwhile, America PAC has been actively engaging in campaign activities through digital media buys, allocating $3 million to opposing Democratic candidates and promoting Republican ones online.

The majority of the PAC's spending has focused on printed materials, postage, and campaign calls, with no television ads being run by America PAC itself.

Husted's campaign has been marred by controversy surrounding his support for the Iran war and negative ads portraying him as "the face of data centers" due to a planned Nvidia data center project in the state that will be leased by OpenAI.

A review of filings submitted to the FEC reveals that America PAC has spent over $83 million supporting Republican candidates and causes since the start of President Donald Trump's second term, with the majority of this expenditure occurring since the beginning of 2025.

A significant portion of these funds, totaling nearly $40 million, were allocated towards the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, which the GOP ultimately lost. Notably, America PAC invested a substantial amount in petition incentives for this election, including offering individuals $100 to sign the petition and $100 per referral.

Following Musk's public feud with Trump and his subsequent return to politics, the outflows from America PAC experienced a notable decline, only to pick up again in recent months as the elections approached.

Between June 2025 and May 2026, Elon Musk personally contributed $40 million to other Republican groups, bypassing his America PAC.

The PAC itself reported a modest bank balance of $274,171 at the end of June, having spent $31 million since then, with the donors responsible for bridging this gap remaining unknown until its next report in October 2026. Despite a significant portion of its funds coming from Musk initially, other sources are now contributing to the group's coffers.

The surge in spending by America PAC is shrouded in mystery, with details on who is behind it yet to be disclosed; future filings will provide more insight into field operations and get-out-the-vote efforts.

Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musks-america-pac-is-spending-big-on-the-midterms-were-tracking-it-daily/

However, President Donald Trump's unpopularity is proving to be a major liability for Republican candidates. The persistent cost concerns, fueled by rising healthcare costs and stagnant wages, are also taking a toll on voters' perceptions of the party. Meanwhile, the fallout from the war in Iran has further complicated the electoral landscape.

The cash advantage that Republicans thought would give them an edge is being spread across several groups, with MAGA Inc., the Trump-aligned organization, playing a significant role. With nearly $416 million in cash reserves at the end of August, MAGA Inc. began stepping up its spending on critical races in September.

But despite this increased spending, some Republican Senate campaign officials are sounding alarm bells about the effectiveness of the strategy. They point out that groups which reserved advertising time last spring secured much lower rates than those who waited until September, forcing Trump-connected organizations to pay significantly more for airtime.

The Republican Party is facing a daunting challenge in Texas, where President Trump will visit for the second time this week to support Senate candidate Ken Paxton. Despite the state's long history of electing Republicans to the Senate, MAGA Inc. has spent over $22 million on advertising in the past month alone.

This significant investment in airtime is being matched by other groups, with Texas PAC, aligned with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, spending an astonishing $83 million on ads in the same period. The sheer scale of these expenditures raises questions about their effectiveness and value to the candidates they support.

One advertisement that has been airing nationwide features Paxton's estranged wife expressing her support for the full Republican ticket. This high-profile ad was broadcast during a popular football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans, reaching a large audience across the United States.

The cost of advertising is also a concern, with outside groups like MAGA Inc. being charged significantly more than candidates themselves. According to tracking firm AdImpact, MAGA Inc. has been paying roughly $894 per airing on streaming services, while Texas PAC has been charged around $809 for a mix of broadcast and streaming ads.

The disparity in advertising costs is becoming increasingly apparent as the 2026 campaign heats up. For instance, during a recent football game, Texas PAC was charged $450,000 for a single spot in the Austin market, while a rival campaign paid just $50,000 for a similar ad.

This discrepancy highlights the significant challenge faced by some Republican campaigns to effectively utilize their resources and stay competitive. Democrats have acknowledged their disadvantage and are instead relying on anti-Trump sentiment and targeted messaging on issues like corruption to connect with voters.

A seasoned Republican pollster, Neil Newhouse, has echoed concerns about the party's advertising strategy, suggesting that spending too much money at this late stage may not yield significant returns. He noted that effective advertising typically takes place well before Labor Day, making it difficult for campaigns to make a meaningful impact in October.

The party's struggles are evident in key battleground states, with Thune's group beginning to pull back in North Carolina last week. This move reflects the challenges faced by Republicans in the state, where their cash advantage is being offset by the increasing effectiveness of their opponents' messaging and ground game.

The influx of funds from the Supreme Court's decision to lift campaign finance limits has brought unprecedented amounts of money into the 2024 midterm elections. However, this massive financial advantage may not guarantee victory for Republicans.

A look at past elections suggests that a significant amount of money alone does not translate into success. For instance, in the 2024 presidential election, Democrat Kamala Harris had more funds than her opponent but ultimately lost all critical swing states and the White House.

Similarly, billionaire Elon Musk's $25 million investment did not secure a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat for his preferred candidate last year. Furthermore, Tom Steyer's massive $216 million personal contribution to his California governor's campaign failed to propel him into the general election.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer acknowledges that his party faces an enormous spending disadvantage in the midterms, describing it as "obscene.

Democrats are expanding their reach in traditionally Republican districts in Arkansas and Tennessee as they grow increasingly confident of retaking control of the House majority. This newfound optimism is evident in the party's decision to target areas that were previously considered off-limits.

In these regions, Democratic candidates are working tirelessly to get their message out to voters. Rep. Suzan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, emphasizes the importance of adequate funding to support this effort. And district by district, we are" investing in campaigns to maximize the party's chances of success.

Meanwhile, President Trump is relying on his deep bond with supporters to propel him through the final weeks of the midterm campaign. He has stepped up his schedule of rallies in recent weeks, traveling to areas that were once considered solidly Republican. The events have been well-attended, with crowds packing venues like the high school gymnasium in Vandalia, Ohio.

At these rallies, Trump's signature style has drawn enthusiastic responses from the audience. His use of profanity and familiar catchphrases continues to energize his base. Despite some early departures as the events wore on, the overall atmosphere remains charged with emotion.

As President Trump's speech came to a close on Monday in Grand Island, Nebraska, he made a final appeal to his supporters, asking them to rally behind him as if he were still on the ballot.

The president emphasized that despite not being directly involved in the midterm elections, his presence and influence remain crucial. In a nod to his devoted base, Trump urged them to continue supporting his agenda.

A sense of determination and resolve has taken hold among Republican voters, with many viewing the midterms as an opportunity to propel their party forward. With the stakes high and emotions running deep, it remains to be seen whether this renewed energy will translate into electoral success for the GOP.

ABC News Politics: https://abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/1-billion-buy-victory-midterm-elections-republicans-fear-137055616

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez made the unexpected decision to call an early election on November 29, aiming to break the deadlock that has crippled the government. This move follows a significant defeat for the administration in parliament last week.

Sanchez's emergency measures to address the housing shortage were voted down by seven lawmakers from the conservative Catalan separatist party Junts, who have been key supporters of the government since 2023. The party's opposition marked a critical turning point in the ongoing parliamentary crisis.

The defeat was not an isolated incident; it came after months of instability within the government's parliamentary base. In fact, Spain has not passed a regular budget since 2023. This lack of progress has put immense pressure on the administration to regain control and stabilize its operations.

Recent events have further strained the government's position, including controversy over mass migration to Ceuta and corruption scandals involving high-ranking officials close to Sanchez. The forced eviction of an elderly woman last month sparked outrage and transformed the housing shortage into a major political issue.

The housing shortage in Spain has been a pressing concern for citizens for nearly three years, with estimates suggesting a shortfall of around 750,000 homes. This figure is expected to rise further, potentially exceeding one million by 2028, according to the Bank of Spain.

Youth unemployment and financial dependence on family members are also significant issues, with over half of Spaniards aged 18-34 living with their parents or relying on them financially. The rising cost of property, which outpaces wage growth at a rate of three times as fast, has further exacerbated the problem.

Spain's social housing stock is meager, accounting for just 1.7% of total homes, placing it near the bottom of EU rankings among member states. This limited availability of affordable housing options has been a major point of contention in recent protests and demonstrations across the country.

The government's proposed measures to address the crisis have been met with skepticism by various groups, including trade unions CCOO and UGT, which announced a 24-hour general strike after their concerns were ignored. The conservative opposition People's Party (PP) has also expressed reservations about stricter rent controls.

Meanwhile, parts of the business community are warning that tighter regulations could worsen the housing shortage, further polarizing the debate over how to address this pressing issue in Spain.

The governing PSOE party's fragile coalition has been a hallmark of Pedro Sanchez's premiership since the 2023 election. The social democratic party has relied on the support of smaller regional parties, including those from the Basque and Catalan regions.

Among these smaller parties is Junts, a Catalan separatist group that has wielded significant influence in parliament. With seven lawmakers, Junts has been able to tip the balance in favor or against government legislation, often determining whether Sanchez's bills would pass or fail.

This precarious arrangement has become increasingly unstable over time, with the government losing nearly one quarter of its votes in just the first half of 2026. The instability is evident in the fact that Spain still operates under a budget approved in 2023, as Sanchez has been unable to secure passage of a new state budget during his entire term.

The inability to pass legislation on key issues has caused tensions within the coalition, with Junts ultimately refusing to back Sanchez on housing policy. This decision was made after nationwide protests highlighted the pressing need for solutions to Spain's housing crisis.

The government's handling of the migrant crisis in Ceuta has also been a source of controversy. In late July, over 70,000 migrants crossed into the exclave from Morocco within a short period, leaving thousands stranded and sparking concerns about public safety and infrastructure.

The recent migrant crisis in Ceuta has put pressure on Spain's migration policy. A new draft of Sanchez's policy seen by Reuters proposes accelerated asylum procedures and deportations, as well as stricter rules for migrants. This shift is a departure from Sanchez's previously liberal approach.

Tensions are running high ahead of the snap parliamentary election at the end of November. The conservative PP party is currently polling strong, but its leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo faces a delicate balancing act to win voters from the center while also appealing to those on the right.

The rise of the right-wing populist Vox party has been remarkable in recent months. With around 18% of the vote, it has gained six percentage points since the 2023 election. If its strong showing continues, it could give PP a chance to form a governing majority with parties from the right.

Vox leader Santiago Abascal is now setting out conditions for cooperation, including prioritizing Spanish citizens' interests and implementing economic deregulation. He also wants a significantly tougher migration policy, which includes deporting foreign nationals back to their countries of origin - a far-right concept that has sparked controversy.

Feijoo's challenge is to balance his own party's right-wing agenda with the need to win over voters from the center. This will be crucial if he hopes to form a governing coalition after the election.

Sanchez's stance on key global issues has made him a thorn in the side of US President Donald Trump. The prime minister has consistently rejected Trump's demands for increased defense spending, which he believes should remain at 5% of GDP.

This principled opposition has put Sanchez at odds with the US president on multiple fronts, including the use of Spanish bases in a potential war against Iran and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As a result, Trump has even threatened to cut off trade relations with Spain.

Sanchez's stance on these issues is not only a reflection of his own values but also those of the European left. His more liberal approach to migration policy stands in stark contrast to Trump's hardline deportation policies.

If the Spanish left were to lose the upcoming election, it would be a significant blow to the European Council and its efforts to counterbalance US influence on the global stage.

DW English: https://www.dw.com/en/where-is-spain-headed-after-the-snap-election-announcement/a-79567959?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf

The incident, which allegedly occurred last week at an institution in the Irkutsk region of Siberia, has sparked concern among international authorities and led to conflicting reports about the situation.

Russian authorities have dismissed claims that they are imposing anti-plague measures as a result of the incident, downplaying its severity. However, Washington is pressing Moscow for greater transparency and clarity on the matter.

US officials are urging Russia to be more open about what happened at the institute, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for transparency during a recent visit to Iceland.

Russian authorities have denied reports of a lab accident at a research facility in Irkutsk, where a 28-year-old woman may have contracted pneumonic plague from a broken test tube.

According to local media outlet People of Baikal, the dead woman, Darya Shipilova, may have come into contact with up to 200 people who are now under quarantine as a precautionary measure.

However, officials claim that postmortem tests have not detected the disease in Shipilova's body and that no other staff members at the institute have sought medical attention since her death.

A Rospotrebnadzor inspection reportedly found that Shipilova died of pneumonia, with the cause remaining undetermined. This contradicts reports circulating online about special measures being taken due to a possible lab accident.

Russian health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor has issued a statement denying the claims as "untrue and originating from unofficial sources.

Reports of a plague outbreak in Russia have sparked international concern, with the World Health Organization (WHO) urging transparency from Moscow to clarify conflicting claims.

The WHO has received an update from Russian authorities stating that no cases of the deadly disease have been recorded in Irkutsk, contradicting earlier reports. According to the update, an epidemiological investigation was launched after a staff member at the local institute fell ill with community-acquired pneumonia.

Russian health officials identified potential contacts and arranged for medical monitoring and laboratory testing, but test results showed no presence of infectious disease pathogens among them. This information is crucial in assessing the risk of public health risks, according to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Tedros emphasized the importance of timely, complete, and transparent sharing of data under international health regulations to resolve conflicting reports and ensure an accurate assessment of potential threats. The WHO chief's comments underscored the need for cooperation between nations in responding to global health emergencies.

The United Nations agency has assessed the risk level for Irkutsk as moderate to low based on available information, with officials closely monitoring the situation.

The pneumonic form of plague is a highly contagious type of bacterial disease that can be spread through respiratory means, causing lung failure and potentially fatal if left untreated.

In response to Trump's offer to assist Russia, Moscow has stated its willingness to help the US combat infectious diseases, citing a significantly worsened" measles situation in three US states as well as a fatal case of plague reported in New Mexico in June.

This development comes amidst an ongoing measles outbreak under the current administration, which has seen increased cases despite efforts to promote vaccination. The appointment of vaccine sceptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr as health secretary has been criticized for contributing to this trend.

The international community is also preparing to address infectious diseases at a conference scheduled to take place in Irkutsk on October 21-22, though organizers insist it remains unrelated to the recent plague-related death in Russia.

France 24 English: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20261006-trump-says-he-will-speak-to-putin-over-reported-plague-death-in-russia

Political advertising is now warning voters about Democratic plots to defund the police, while campaign events feature law enforcement unions and tough talk on law and order issues. This change in strategy reflects growing frustration among voters with their party's handling of everyday costs and foreign policy decisions.

Crime rates have been trending downward since the 1990s, but Republicans are seizing on this issue as a rare opportunity to go on the offensive in an otherwise challenging year. They believe that lawlessness is safer ground for them than other issues like rising living expenses or the ongoing conflict with Iran.

House Speaker Mike Johnson recently highlighted this trend, pointing out that America has seen its lowest violent crime rate in 126 years. He credited a focus on upholding the rule of law for this achievement and boasted about having the most secure border in over half a century.

The shift in Republican messaging comes despite concerns within their own party about the implications of Donald Trump's record, which includes being convicted as a felon for paying hush money to a former adult film star.

Republican candidates in key battleground states are shifting their messaging ahead of the midterm elections, embracing a tough-on-crime approach that has become a staple of the party's platform.

In Nebraska, former President Donald Trump revived his signature issue on Monday night, painting a dire picture of the country under its current leadership. He claimed that the US had previously been plagued by unprecedented levels of crime and unchecked immigration at its borders.

This rhetoric is being echoed across the country, with Republican gubernatorial candidates in several states launching attacks against their Democratic opponents over law enforcement funding and public safety. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has criticized his opponent's stance on bail reform for undocumented immigrants charged with violent crimes.

In response, Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa has highlighted her background as a civil rights lawyer and accused Abbott of promoting policies that undermine civil liberties. Her campaign has focused on issues such as police funding and public safety, rather than immigration or crime.

Meanwhile, in Georgia, billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson has repeatedly criticized his opponent's tenure as mayor of Atlanta, claiming she abandoned neighborhoods and failed to adequately fund law enforcement.

In key U.S. House races, Republicans are revisiting a familiar theme: crime and disorder. In Virginia's first congressional district, Rep. Rob Wittman is criticizing his Democratic opponent Shannon Taylor for her record as a former county prosecutor.

Taylor's alleged "soft on crime stance has been a focal point in the campaign, with Wittman using it to paint her as a threat to public safety. This strategy mirrors one employed by other Republican candidates nationwide. In Michigan's 10th district, Michael Bouchard is running on his military service and law enforcement background.

Bouchard claims that his Democratic opponent Christina Hines supports woke, soft on crime, socialist policies. He's using this language to appeal to voters who are concerned about public safety and the perceived rise in crime. Similar tactics are being used by Rep. Gabe Evans in Colorado's eighth district against Manny Rutinel.

Evans is touting his experience as a police officer to contrast with Rutinel's background as a former prosecutor. In Wisconsin's third district, Rep. Derrick Van Orden is painting Democratic nominee Rebecca Cooke as a communist who wants to defund the police.

Democratic rivals have responded by highlighting their own commitment to public safety and law enforcement. Taylor has aired an ad featuring 13 local sheriffs endorsing her campaign, while Rutinel has rolled out a safety plan that includes increased funding for police departments and drug prevention programs.

The Republican Party's emphasis on border security and law enforcement is gaining momentum ahead of the midterm elections, a strategy that may be seen as a return to their tough-on-crime message.

Several lawmakers, including Senator Eric Schmitt, are arguing that the party needs to remind voters about its accomplishments in this area. According to Schmitt, the fact that border security has become less prominent in headlines is actually a sign of progress, rather than a cause for concern. Having secured the border, he believes the party should be proud of its achievement.

A recent poll conducted by AP-NORC found that while 48% of U.S. adults still approve of President Trump's performance on border security, this number has declined from 55% just a year ago. This shift in public opinion may suggest that the issue is becoming less relevant to voters, but Republicans are pushing forward with their strategy.

Not all party members share this enthusiasm for rehashing the crime message. Senator Thom Tillis, who chose not to seek reelection this year, expressed doubts about its effectiveness as a campaign issue. He believes it will not resonate with voters and may even backfire.

In North Carolina, Republicans are testing the waters by running ads claiming that Democratic nominee Roy Cooper was too lenient on convicts during his time in office. This move is part of their broader effort to make the upcoming election a referendum on crime.

Critics have accused Republicans of resorting to racist tactics in their campaign ads, drawing parallels with past efforts to appeal to suburban white voters.

The ads display mugshots of men of color, evoking memories of infamous campaigns like the 1988 Willie Horton ad. This move has sparked outrage among Black leaders who view it as a deliberate attempt to whip up fear and division.

In contrast, Senator Thom Tillis highlighted North Carolina's relatively low crime rate in recent years. He shared his own personal experience of feeling safe in Charlotte, where he lives just 25 minutes from downtown.

National Democrats have seized on the disconnect between Republicans' tough-on-crime rhetoric and the Trump administration's immigration policies. They point to the tragic deaths of American protesters and undocumented individuals as evidence that the president's actions are more likely to fuel violence than prevent it.

Senator Ruben Gallego, an Arizona Democrat, has gone further, describing the White House as a criminal organization due to its alleged corruption and self-dealing.

The White House has pushed back against criticism from some lawmakers, accusing them of attempting to shift attention away from what it calls a radical soft on crime agenda". According to a White House spokeswoman, extreme Democrats are trying to deflect from their own policies.

This counter-attack comes as Republicans have sought to regain traction with voters by emphasizing tough-on-crime stances ahead of the midterm elections. The strategy aims to tap into public concerns about safety and law enforcement.

ABC News Politics: https://abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/republicans-return-tough-crime-message-ahead-difficult-midterm-137023931