Democratic candidates and Republican Super PACs drive record fundraising this midterm

NPR | By Stephen Fowler,

Michel Martin

Published October 19, 2026 at 4:45 AM EDT

What the latest campaign finance filings tell us about the state of play in the midterm elections.

Stephen Fowler

Stephen Fowler is a political reporter with NPR’s Washington Desk, where he currently reports on the restructuring of federal government and the future of the Democratic and Republican parties after Donald Trump’s return to office.

Michel Martin

Michel Martin is a host of Morning Edition.

See stories by Michel Martin

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

Ukraine and Russia exchange strikes, as relations between Trump and Zelenskyy sour

Charles Maynes, Michel Martin

Ukraine carried out a massive drone strikes on Russia, which launched deadly attacks on its smaller neighbor over the weekend.
Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., on Trump waiving sanctions on Russia

Leila Fadel

NPR's Leila Fadel asks Democratic Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia about President Trump's decision to waive new sanctions on Russia.
Investigators search for cause of deadly blaze at Canadian military base

Julian Abraham

Four people are dead and dozens injured after a fire swept through a Canadian military training base in Alberta. Officials say strong winds caused the flames to spread rapidly.
The Commonwealth

Election 2026: Andy Barr, Charles Booker compete in U.S. Senate race

Sylvia Goodman

For the first time in decades, Kentucky will no longer be represented by Sen. Mitch McConnell. GOP Congressman Andy Barr is facing off against former state Rep. Charles Booker to replace him.
NPR News

A Kelvin wave raised sea levels on the West Coast. More are coming

Ava Berger

A large underwater wave moved up the West Coast, raising sea levels. Scientists say it's driven by El Niño and it's going to happen again.