Recent data reveals that Democrats have surpassed Republicans in campaign spending in Michigan by over $50 million, with a total of $184 million compared to the Republicans' $130 million. This significant financial gap has been observed over the past three months since Harris secured the nomination, encompassing advertising bookings up to Election Day.
An analysis of the advertising strategies of both parties in Michigan indicates a strategic divergence. Democrats have focused their resources on urban areas, which are known to be strongholds of their voter base. In contrast, Republicans have opted for a more widespread approach, allocating funds across rural regions to target their supporters.
The Detroit media market emerges as a pivotal battleground, commanding approximately 54% of all presidential ad expenditures in Michigan since July 22. Democrats have outspent Republicans by $6.2 million in this market, with both sides collectively exceeding $50 million in spending. This disparity underscores the overall advertising advantage held by Harris and her supporters in the state.
Furthermore, Democrats have maintained a financial edge over Republicans in other key media markets. In Lansing, adjacent to Detroit, Democrats have outspent their counterparts by $2.4 million. Similarly, in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, Democrats have outspent Republicans by $400,000 to $600,000, albeit by narrower margins. In Traverse County, another crucial area, Democrats have outspent Republicans by approximately $854,000.
Conversely, Republicans have demonstrated a preference for satellite TV advertising in Michigan, outspending Democrats by $1.9 million. This trend is consistent across other battleground states and suggests a strategic inclination among pro-Trump advertisers. Additionally, Republicans have invested a substantial $120,000 in regional sports networks, surpassing Democratic spending in the Marquette market by around $280,000.
