Kansas Senate race tops $84.5 million in ad costs

Ad spending for the Kansas U.S. Senate race has surpassed $84.5 million as of late October. This total makes it the most expensive election in the state's history. The figure far exceeds the previous record of $49.1 million set during the 2020 cycle.

According to AdImpact, the surge in costs is driven primarily by outside groups rather than the candidates' own campaigns. Spending on ads for the two major-party candidates has increased by 3,332% compared to the 2022 Kansas Senate election.

Federal campaign finance records from October 14 show a stark difference in direct campaign spending. The Hamilton campaign has spent more than $16 million this season. Marshall's campaign has spent just over $6 million. The bulk of the $84.5 million total comes from super PACs and other outside entities.

Supporters of Republican Sen. Roger Marshall have allocated more than $27 million to advertisements. At least $8.5 million in additional Marshall-favoring ads are expected to air before the election. On the other side, groups backing Democrat Adam Hamilton have spent more than $34 million. Another $14 million in pro-Hamilton ads are anticipated.

The Senate Leadership Fund is the largest spender for Marshall's side. It has directed at least $11 million into Kansas after moving money from North Carolina this month. The group airs ads criticizing Hamilton and promoting Marshall. The fund's shift in resources reflects the national attention on the Tuesday election, which could determine Senate control.

The People over Politics Action Fund is the largest spender against Marshall. This Kansas-based super PAC has spent more than $11 million. It has ties to Greg Orman, who contributed $50,000 to the group in July. Orman, a former independent candidate, helped shape the strategy to distance the opposition from national Democrats.

Other groups are also pouring money into the race. Lower Costs Now, a Democratic super PAC, has spent nearly $6 million against Marshall and $4.5 million for Hamilton. Main Street Fund, a Republican group formed on primary day, has spent nearly $4.6 million against Hamilton as of October 21. Its funding comes from pro-Trump PACs.