In Other News · United States · Politics

Source: Axios

Data: AdImpact; Chart: Erin Davis/AxiosRepublicans on the ballot this cycle have all but stopped mentioning President Trump in their campaign ads, according to an Axios analysis of broadcast advertising data from AdImpact.Why it matters: Trump has tried to make the 2026 midterms a referendum on his presidency. His party has run the other way.The big picture: Ads from both parties in Senate, House and gubernatorial races have shifted from a heavy focus on Trump during the primaries to a much greater emphasis on the economy in the general election.Both parties have also leaned much more heavily into health care, with a noticeable increase among House Republicans.By the numbers: The drop-off is steepest among Republicans, and especially in House races.Trump appeared in 66% of House Republicans' primary ads but shows up in just 3% of their general election ads.In Senate races, Republican ads mentioning him fell from 77% to 22%.Governor's races saw the same shift: Republican ads mentioning Trump fell 34 percentage points.Democrats have also pulled back from Trump, though less dramatically.Trump appeared in 45% of Democratic primary ads, but just 18% of their general election ads.Zoom in: Republican candidates are mentioning some of Trump's signature issues less than during the...