Record spending shapes 2026 midterm election for Bellingham voters

Bellingham, Marysville and Lake Stevens residents head to the polls today, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to cast ballots in what experts describe as the most expensive midterm election in history. In Washington state, polls close at 8 p.m., and the election is conducted largely by mail. Voters in Whatcom County are choosing every U.S. House seat in the state, along with state legislative offices, judicial seats and local measures. The state does not have a U.S. Senate or governor race on the ballot this year, but the local and federal contests remain high stakes for the region.

The financial scale of this election is unprecedented. According to the Associated Press, the 2026 elections are likely to be the most costly ever. Republican committees have outraised and outspent their Democratic counterparts. This advantage was driven significantly by support from President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. However, the Associated Press notes a distinct shift at the candidate level, where Democrats have outraised their Republican opponents. This creates a complex financial landscape where committee spending and candidate fundraising tell different stories.

A detailed analysis by the Associated Press of AdImpact data reveals where the money is going. Eighty-eight point one percent of Republican general election TV ad spending has gone to states and districts that Trump won in 2024. A significant portion of this budget, more than 850 million dollars, was spent in areas where Trump won by ten points or more. This strategy contrasts with the Democratic approach, which has focused on fundraising at the individual candidate level to contest competitive districts. The disparity in spending strategies may influence how voters in places like Bellingham perceive the intensity of the campaign.

Nationally, the election is viewed as a referendum on the second term of President Trump. The Associated Press reports that voters are struggling with high prices and are angry over an unpopular war with Iran. Recent polling shows that 35 percent of U.S. adults approve of Trump's job performance, while 25 percent approve of his handling of the economy. About seven in ten Americans say the country is heading in the wrong direction. These sentiments are driving the high level of engagement, with more than 57 million people already having voted as of Monday, surpassing early vote totals from four years ago in many key states.

The control of Congress is the primary national objective. Republicans currently hold 218 seats in the House and 53 in the Senate. Democrats need a net gain of three House districts and four Senate seats to take control of either chamber. Ballotpedia identifies 46 battleground districts in the House and 13 competitive Senate races. In Washington state, voters are focused on the House races, including the 3rd Congressional District, which is a noted battleground. Statewide ballot measures also appear on the ballot, including Initiative 645, which addresses income taxes on households earning over one million dollars.

Local officials in Bellingham and surrounding areas have worked to ensure smooth operations for the mail-in vote. The U.S. Postal Service added hours, staff and special lines to ensure mail ballots are counted on time. In Washington, as in other states, anyone in line when polls close is entitled to vote. Voters are encouraged to check their specific polling place details at vote.gov, as hours can vary slightly by county. The state's election administration is handling the high volume of mail ballots while monitoring the national news cycle for developments.

The mood among party leaders reflects the tightness of the race. RNC Chairman Joe Gruters stated that everything depends on turnout, asserting that if Republicans turn out their voters, they will win. Conversely, DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene, who is also a Washington incumbent, said the American people are angry and want change. These comments highlight the different strategies employed by each party. Republicans are bracing to potentially lose the House while fighting to hold the Senate, while Democrats are cautiously optimistic about their chances of flipping control of at least one chamber.

President Trump has been active in campaigning, holding dozens of rallies across the country. His schedule recently included stops in Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas, ending in Salina, Kansas. At one rally, he told supporters, "I really want you to pretend I'm on the ballot." Despite his high profile, many Republican candidates have kept some distance from the president. Trump has also made claims about voting fraud, leading to lawsuits in states like Alaska and California. These legal actions have raised concerns among Democrats about potential interference in the election process.

For Bellingham readers, the national financial war translates to local impacts. The state's three House districts are all up for grabs, with incumbents like Suzan DelBene and Rick Larsen seeking re-election. The outcome of these races will determine Washington's representation in the new Congress. Statewide, voters are also deciding on the composition of the State Senate and State House, as well as selecting members for the State Supreme Court and intermediate appellate courts. The combination of federal, state and local offices makes today a comprehensive decision day for Whatcom County.

The economic stakes are high for investors and voters alike. Reuters notes that Wall Street is watching the results closely, as control of Congress could affect debt ceiling negotiations and spending on artificial intelligence. The election results will have immediate implications for policy directions, including oversight investigations if Democrats gain power. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has outlined a 100-day agenda focused on the cost of living, which resonates with many voters concerned about rising prices. The final tally will set the tone for the final two years of the current presidential term.