Bar chart showing current and future political ad spending in the Austin metro area from Aug. 1 to Nov. 5, as of Sept. 20. Democrats have spent about $2m on ads for presidential, congressional and down-ballot races in the metro area; $40.8k from outside groups and $1.6m from campaigns themselves. Republicans have spent a total of $5m, $2.6m from outside groups and $2.5m from campaigns.