Democrats Leverage Utility Bills in Midterm Campaign Strategy

Recent developments highlight that escalating utility bills are emerging as a key strategy for Democrats in their midterm election campaigns. This comes as the party invests substantial amounts in discussing affordability issues. According to data from AdImpact, shared by Climate Power with Newsweek, over $191 million has been allocated to political advertisements referencing utility and energy costs in the first nine months of 2026. In the third quarter alone, spending exceeds $138 million.

Democratic efforts primarily focus on battleground states crucial to the upcoming midterms. The election revolves around themes of affordability and rising living costs. Marcus W. Robinson, Climate Power’s spokesperson, emphasized the importance of addressing these concerns, stating that Democrats are actively promoting messages of cost reduction to resonate with voters.

A New Focus in Campaigning

To assess the prominence of utility costs in the 2026 campaigns, Climate Power analyzed AdImpact data and transcripts for terms such as “utility bill,” “electric bill,” and “electricity bill.” The data covered House, Senate, and gubernatorial races, including broadcast, cable, and digital video ads aired since January 1.

Findings show that spending on this issue has increased as elections draw near, with expenditures rising from $25.5 million in the first quarter to $47.4 million in the second, leaping to $138.5 million in the third quarter. Climate Power reported that this was reflected in 1,904 unique ads and more than 600,000 airings from July to September. An additional $96.3 million was spent from October 1 to October 16 with nearly 300,000 airings.

Democrats accounted for 70% of utility-related ad spending in the third quarter. Much of this was focused on battleground states such as Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Texas. Eleven states collectively made up over 60% of total utility-focused spending since July.

“Battleground Democratic candidates have spearheaded ads on soaring utility costs because they recognize that families are discussing these issues,” Robinson told Newsweek.

States with the Highest Utility Bills

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that electricity costs rose 4.4% over the 12 months ending in September, outpacing the inflation rate. Analysis by ElectricChoice in October identified the average residential electricity rate in the U.S. at 18.34¢ per kilowatt-hour, marking a 5% increase year-on-year.

ElectricChoice listed the ten states with the highest average monthly electricity bills:

• Hawaii: $268
• California: $190
• Alabama: $182
• New York: $174
• Texas: $173
• Massachusetts: $172
• Missouri: $172
• New Hampshire: $172
• Delaware: $171
• Georgia: $171

Affordability vs. Climate Change

Polls reveal that voters see energy costs as primary affordability concerns. A Searchlight Institute survey conducted in mid-September among 1,498 likely voters showed 56% prioritizing lowering costs over combating climate change. Additionally, 96% indicated their electricity bills remained constant or increased over the past year.

Research commissioned by Climate Power and carried out by Hart Research in January among 2,710 registered voters showed that 84% were worried about their electricity bills, with 42% of swing voters “very” concerned.

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Dan Orton and Tony Phillips.

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