Political ads are back as an unavoidable part of everyday life in Pennsylvania. On television, they air in 30-second spots during sporting events, late night talk shows, newscasts, daytime soaps and nighttime dramas. While streaming shows or surfing the web, viewers see candidates from both major political parties and special interest groups take jabs at each other in a seemingly unending barrage.
They’re even on video game platforms. In Pennsylvania, considered a key swing state that could decide the 2024 presidential race, the volume of political ads is expected to continue through Election Day, just as it did in 2020. The Keystone State has been the target of the largest political spending over the past several weeks, according to data tracked by AdImpact and analyzed by the Wall Street Journal.
“The flood of ads this early in the campaign is pretty unique. You don’t usually see this kind of spending in August,” said Dan Mallinson, an associate professor of politics and public administration at Penn State University-Harrisburg. The Wall Street Journal reported this week that $42 million has been spent in Pennsylvania on political ads focusing on the presidential race since July 22, the day after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race.
It’s the highest level of spending in the country, far outpacing other swing states seen as a key in the race to win the White House. Pennsylvania, with its 19 electoral votes and tight voter registration margins, is viewed as a.