Super PACs Pour Millions Into Utah Midterm Ads
Independent groups spent $3 million on network television spots across Salt Lake City stations this cycle.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Elections
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Super PACs poured $3 million into network television advertisements in Utah during the 2026 midterm election. These funds purchased airtime across four major Salt Lake City network affiliates.
Why it matters
The influx of spending underscores the influence of independent expenditure committees on local political contests. These organizations directed significant resources to support or oppose specific candidates and ballot measures.
Super PACs spent $3 million on ads across KSL, KSTU, KTVX, and KUTV. Meanwhile, the Utahns Protecting Our Constitution and Utah Donor Collaborative groups accounted for $820,000 of that total.
The players
Celeste Malloy
She is a candidate supported by the Defending Our Values committee.
Blake Moore
He is a political candidate who received support from the Defend American Jobs committee.
The details
The Defending Our Values committee backed Celeste Malloy, while the Defend American Jobs committee supported Blake Moore. Additionally, the Utahns Protecting Our Constitution group utilized its funding to explicitly oppose Amendment B.
Timeline
Four super PACs were inactive in television advertising during July and August 2026.
Two Utah-only super PACs initiated their television advertising purchases in September 2026.
Local super PACs continued their advertising spending throughout October 2026.
Political Context
This spending reflects a growing trend of external influence that complicates traditional campaign finance limits set by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002. Opponents often argue that such vast independent outlays undermine local candidate control and distort the messaging of state-level races.
Residents across Utah were exposed to a heavy volume of independent political messaging on network television throughout the fall. These advertisements were placed on KSL, KSTU, KTVX, and KUTV to sway voter opinions on candidates and the Amendment B ballot initiative.
The takeaway
Voters should be aware that high-frequency television ads are often funded by third-party groups rather than the candidates themselves. Understanding who is behind these messages can help clarify the specific policy goals and motivations driving the local political agenda.
Further reading
For more information on the latest campaign finance filings and trends, visit the Utah Elections section.
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