DCCC Set to Launch $32 Million TV Ad Campaign

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is preparing to saturate the broadcast TV airwaves with $32 million of ads after Labor Day, according to Politico.

That would be the earliest ad campaign in DCCC history, as it seeks to win back control of the House. The ads will be shown across the country, in dozens of congressional districts in 14 states. Most of the states will be key battlegrounds in the presidential race as well.

The DCCC wanted to reserve TV ad time early, as it will soon be filled up with a raft of spots from presidential campaign committees, outside interest groups and super PACs, a knowledgeable source told Politico. The other entities’ ads also are expected to send prices for airtime soaring by summer.

Another reason why the DCCC has to get moving early is that it has $4 million less cash in the bank than the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), with the NRCC holding $27.1 million compared to $22.8 million for the DCCC.

Democrats have reason to feel desperate. The party needs a net gain of 25 seats to take back control of the House, but a win of that magnitude has happened just six times in the past 20 elections, and just once in a presidential election year.