Political advertising has reached a new low — and Republicans are spending millions to make sure voters are angry, misinformed and distracted.

That’s especially clear in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, where roughly $42 million has already gone into the race between Democrat Rebecca Cook and Republican incumbent Derek Van Orden. Van Orden is relying heavily on attack ads and AI-generated content while maintaining his close alliance with Donald Trump — and keeping his campaign appearances away from the kind of open town halls where constituents can ask him tough questions.

From misleading attack ads and AI-generated videos to manufactured culture-war controversies, the 2026 campaign is becoming a test of just how far Republicans will go to hold onto power. We look at examples from Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas and beyond — and what Democrats are facing in the fight to take back Congress.

The topics:

• $42 Million in Wisconsin’s 3rd CD: The staggering amount of money poured into the race between Rebecca Cook and Derek Van Orden — and the fight for control of Congress.

• Elon vs. Soros: Musk’s massive investment in Republican politics, the role of wealthy donors and the double standard Republicans apply when criticizing Democratic megadonors.

• The Politics of Personal Trauma: The disturbing Ohio attack ad using the estranged mother of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton — and the family history behind it.

• Van Orden Stoops to Deepfakes: AI-generated videos targeting Rebecca Cook, Van Orden’s attack-heavy campaign strategy and his continued alignment with Donald Trump.

• Democrats Take Congress. Then What? What Democrats could realistically accomplish — and what would remain out of reach — if they win control of Congress.