With the 2026 midterm election just months away, political advertisements have saturated television, social‑media feeds and even downtown Sherman, prompting a noticeable backlash among local voters, according to KXII.
Long‑time resident Keith Honeycutt told the outlet he now “either flips” the TV or “turns his head” whenever a campaign commercial appears, adding that the volume of ads “gets more and more every day.” His brother, Cody Honeycutt, echoed the sentiment, saying he no longer wants to see the ads because they focus on “social issues and what is wrong with the other people” rather than on solutions that help the community.
Charlie Kolean, president of Strategic Political Management in Dallas, warned that voters should not expect the barrage to subside. “So, long as this trend of people thinking that Texas is going towards being a swing state, we’re going to continue to see more and more political ads come every election,” Kolean said. He explained that campaigns use ads to sway undecided voters and to drive higher turnout, noting that in a presidential election roughly 50‑60% of the population actually votes, creating a sizable opportunity to deliver the “right message.”
The strategist added that as Texas becomes more politically competitive, ad spending is likely to increase in the years ahead. This expectation aligns with the growing perception among some residents that the state is shifting from its traditional partisan alignment.
Beyond the ads, several Sherman voters expressed a preference for direct candidate debates. “You can actually contrast what these politicians think they’re going to do when you put them on a stage together. Otherwise it’s just, you know, hate mail going out,” Cody Honeycutt said, suggesting that face‑to‑face discussions would give voters clearer insight into policy positions.
What’s next: The midterm elections are scheduled for the first Tuesday in November 2026. Local organizers are planning candidate forums and town‑hall meetings in the coming weeks, offering residents an alternative to the constant stream of advertising. Voters are encouraged to attend these events and to register or confirm their polling place ahead of the November vote.
Sources: kxii.com
