The Cringiest and Craftiest 2026 Midterm Ads

Sex, video games and grandparents on the campaign trail.

By Stephen StrombergEmily Keegin and Carlos Lozada

Produced by Jillian Weinberger

Advertisers are projected to spend more money on political ads in the 2026 midterms than in any previous election cycle. What are campaigns selling — and what do they think voters want? The Opinion editor Steve Stromberg examines the ads shaping these elections with the Opinion columnist Carlos Lozada and Emily Keegin, a photo editor and creative consultant.

The Cringiest and Craftiest 2026 Midterm Ads

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