Trump, Bloomberg ramp up spending ahead of midterms

(Updates throughout) WASHINGTON, Oct 20 - US President ​Donald Trump said on Tuesday ​that he had spent ‌more than $300 ​million on Republican campaign efforts, while the New York Times reported that former New ‌York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was spending $80 million to help Democrats ahead of the November 3 midterm congressional elections.

The financial commitments come as ‌Democrats seek to reclaim control of Congress, where 470 seats ‌are up for grabs in the Republican-controlled chambers. "I have spent, or will be spending, over 400 Million Dollars by Election Day. More than 300 Million ⁠Dollars has ​already been spent ⁠on Advertising, Direct and Indirect Voter Contact, Rallies, Rally Arenas, Telerallies, Get Out ⁠the Vote Programs, Election Integrity, and more," Trump said in a social ​media post.

Bloomberg's team told the New York Times that he ⁠was sending about $80 million to Democrats in September and October. Bloomberg's office did not ⁠immediately ​respond to a request for comment.

The New York Times said at least $50 million of Bloomberg’s money was being used for ⁠House races, including $24 million for Everytown for Gun Safety, a group Bloomberg ⁠co-founded. ⁠He was also giving $16 million to House Majority PAC.