Democrats, Republicans Boost Third-Party Candidates in 2026 Midterms as $2.2 Million Targets Ohio Senate Race
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 29
Democrats, Republicans Boost Third-Party Candidates in 2026 Midterms as $2.2 Million Targets Ohio Senate Race
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 29
Summary
Third-party spoiler candidates have emerged as a major 2026 midterm tactic, with both Democrats and Republicans quietly trying to lift minor-party or independent names that could drain votes from rivals.
Alaska pushed the practice into the spotlight after Democrats helped place a second Dan Sullivan on the ballot alongside the Republican senator of the same name.
Ohio shows the scale: Republicans have spent more than $2.2 million promoting a socialist candidate in the Senate race, aiming to peel support from Democrat Sherrod Brown.
Virginia and Nebraska show the tactic spreading beyond one contest, with a GOP group boosting an independent in a House race and both parties maneuvering around minor candidates in Senator Pete Ricketts's race.
With many races decided by razor-thin margins and billions of campaign dollars in play, both parties see spoiler candidates as another way to gain an edge.