Epstein Case Becomes Major Campaign Issue in US Midterms, Drawing Millions in Ad Spending

The handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case has emerged as a significant and costly issue in the current 2026 U.S. midterm elections, with campaigns allocating over $35 million to more than 160 advertisements. These ads frequently reference the Epstein scandal, including the unsealed files and the historical investigation into his activities. This marks a substantial increase compared to previous election cycles, such as the 2024 presidential election, which saw only a handful of similar ads.

The majority of this spending, approximately 90%, has come from Democrats, who are using the issue to connect political opponents to the scandal or to critique the justice system's handling of the case. Republicans have also utilized Epstein-related attacks, albeit less frequently, to target their rivals.

The prevalence of these advertisements reflects a bipartisan recognition of the "Epstein class" as a powerful theme, enabling candidates to tap into voter distrust of powerful institutions and highlight perceived corruption across the political spectrum. The focus on Epstein's connections and the details emerging from the released files has made this a prominent campaign talking point in numerous races nationwide.