A Weekly Inventory Intelligence Report
Political advertising continues to accelerate as campaigns and outside groups put more money into key markets ahead of the 2026 midterms. This week, Texas and Ohio stand out for two different reasons: Texas is seeing a notable increase in streaming and digital investment, while Ohio is already experiencing some of the highest overall political ad spending in the country.
TargetSmart gives agencies a real-time view of premium CTV availability, paired with precise audience targeting and the flexibility to move quickly as campaign needs and market conditions change.
For agencies planning September and October campaigns, getting into market earlier can provide greater flexibility and access to premium inventory as demand builds.
This Week’s Inventory Snapshot
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Texas: Streaming and digital investment is accelerating
Texas has quickly emerged as one of the most active political advertising markets of the 2026 cycle. The Talarico Senate campaign had already spent more than $25 million on advertising since late May, including approximately $8.4 million on streaming. Then, in early September, another $10 million TV, streaming and digital buy entered the race, adding significant new spending to the market.
The broader outlook is growing as well. AdImpact increased its projected 2026 political advertising spend for Texas by approximately $288 million, reflecting increased activity in the state.
Ohio: Political advertising pressure is already here
Ohio led the nation in political advertising during August, with approximately $102 million in spending a single month.
AdImpact increased its 2026 political advertising projection for Ohio by approximately $309 million, the largest upward revision of any state, bringing projected cycle spending to roughly $749 million.
While those figures represent broader political advertising rather than programmatic alone, they are arriving as CTV and streaming continue to capture a growing share of political media budgets nationally.
What This Means for Premium CTV
As political spending and fall programming ramp up, competition for premium CTV inventory is growing.
Launching earlier can provide greater flexibility and better access before demand increases.
Planning a September or October campaign? Talk to TargetSmart about the premium inventory available now.
Stay tuned for more.
A Weekly Inventory Intelligence Report
Political advertising continues to accelerate as campaigns and outside groups put more money into key markets ahead of the 2026 midterms. This week, Texas and Ohio stand out for two different reasons: Texas is seeing a notable increase in streaming and digital investment, while Ohio is already experiencing some of the highest overall political ad spending in the country.
TargetSmart gives agencies a real-time view of premium CTV availability, paired with precise audience targeting and the flexibility to move quickly as campaign needs and market conditions change.
For agencies planning September and October campaigns, getting into market earlier can provide greater flexibility and access to premium inventory as demand builds.
This Week’s Inventory Snapshot
|
|
Texas: Streaming and digital investment is accelerating
Texas has quickly emerged as one of the most active political advertising markets of the 2026 cycle. The Talarico Senate campaign had already spent more than $25 million on advertising since late May, including approximately $8.4 million on streaming. Then, in early September, another $10 million TV, streaming and digital buy entered the race, adding significant new spending to the market.
The broader outlook is growing as well. AdImpact increased its projected 2026 political advertising spend for Texas by approximately $288 million, reflecting increased activity in the state.
Ohio: Political advertising pressure is already here
Ohio led the nation in political advertising during August, with approximately $102 million in spending a single month.
AdImpact increased its 2026 political advertising projection for Ohio by approximately $309 million, the largest upward revision of any state, bringing projected cycle spending to roughly $749 million.
While those figures represent broader political advertising rather than programmatic alone, they are arriving as CTV and streaming continue to capture a growing share of political media budgets nationally.
What This Means for Premium CTV
As political spending and fall programming ramp up, competition for premium CTV inventory is growing.
Launching earlier can provide greater flexibility and better access before demand increases.
Planning a September or October campaign? Talk to TargetSmart about the premium inventory available now.
Stay tuned for more.
