Illinois voters face record spending in historic midterm
As polls open at 6 a.m. In the South Suburbs, the nation tracks the most expensive election cycle ever, with significant disparities in advertising spend between the parties.
By Anthony Foster ·
Illinois voters across Will County and the broader state began casting ballots at 6 a.m. Tuesday for the 2026 midterm elections. Polls in the state remain open until 7 p.m., allowing residents in Joliet, Naperville, Bolingbrook, Orland Park, Tinley Park, and Downers Grove to participate in the halfway point of President Donald Trump's second term. The day decides control of Congress for the final two years of the current administration, with all 435 U.S. House seats and 35 U.S. Senate seats up for grabs.
In Illinois, the ballot includes an open U.S. Senate race with no incumbent running, as well as the governor's seat where incumbent Democrat JB Pritzker is seeking re-election. Voters in the state are also choosing every U.S. House member, state legislators, and various local offices and measures. The state's poll hours are standard, and anyone in line when the polls close at 7 p.m. Is entitled to vote. ID rules vary by state, and residents are advised to check specific requirements before heading to their polling places.
Nationally, this election is shaping up to be the most expensive in history. According to an analysis using AdImpact data, Republican committees have outraised and outspent Democratic committees at the organizational level. This advantage is attributed in part to the influence of Trump-affiliated groups and billionaire Elon Musk. However, the financial dynamic shifts when looking at individual campaigns, where Democrats have outraised their opponents at the candidate level.
The Associated Press highlights a striking discrepancy in where that money is being spent. Of the total Republican general election television ad spending, 88.1 percent was directed toward states and districts that Trump won in the 2024 election. Within that total, more than $850 million was spent in areas where the president won by a margin of 10 points or more. This strategy reflects a focus on consolidating support in Republican-leaning areas rather than solely targeting the 46 battleground districts identified by Ballotpedia.
Democrats, who need a net gain of three House districts and four Senate seats to secure majorities, are described as cautiously optimistic. Republicans, currently holding 53 Senate seats and a slim majority in the House, can afford to lose only two seats in either chamber to maintain control. The Associated Press notes that one or two seats could tip the balance in either chamber, making the financial resources deployed in these close races particularly critical.
The mood among voters is described as a referendum on the current administration, with many citizens struggling with high prices and expressing anger over an unpopular war with Iran. AP-NORC polling indicates that 35 percent of U.S. Adults approve of Trump's job performance, while only 25 percent approve of his handling of the economy. About seven in 10 adults say the country is heading in the wrong direction, with most blaming the president for rising costs. More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states.
Trump has held dozens of rallies in the lead-up to Election Day, concluding his recent schedule in Salina, Kansas, where he urged supporters to pretend he was on the ballot. His administration has continued to make claims about voting fraud, including assertions about noncitizen voting, and has filed lawsuits in Alaska and California. These legal actions have raised concerns among Democrats about interference and intimidation, particularly as the Justice Department threatens to prosecute local election officials. A federal judge temporarily barred the administration from carrying out a plan to prevent noncitizen voting on Monday, a move critics say risks disenfranchising eligible voters.
Governor races are also a major focus, with 36 governorships on the ballot. Republicans hold 26 of these offices, and Democrats hold 24. In Illinois, the race is between incumbent Democrat JB Pritzker and his Republican opponent. The Associated Press identifies several competitive governor races in other states, including Texas, Florida, and Iowa. Democrats hope to hold a majority of governorships for the first time in two decades, a goal that has not been achieved since 2010.
The stakes extend beyond just who holds power in Washington. If Democrats win even one chamber, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings are likely to begin. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who would be the first Black speaker if Democrats take the House, has outlined a 100-day agenda focused on the cost of living and oversight. A strong Democratic performance would also boost potential 2028 candidates such as Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, and Pete Buttigieg, while potentially complicating the path for Vice President JD Vance.
Wall Street is closely watching the results for signals on economic policy, including investor concerns about AI spending and debt ceiling negotiations. The U.S. Postal Service has added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure mail ballots are counted on time. As the day progresses, the focus remains on turnout, with RNC Chairman Joe Gruters stating that everything depends on turning out voters. DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene countered that the American people are angry and want change, setting the tone for a day where financial resources and voter participation will determine the next two years of congressional control.
