Supreme Court hears bid to lift party spending caps
The U.S. Supreme Court on Dec. 9 heard arguments in a Republican challenge seeking to end federal limits on how much political parties can spend in coordination with their candidates, a decision that could reshape 2026 campaign spending in Minnesota, including Minneapolis–Saint Paul races. The Federal Election Commission defended the current caps during the hearing; a ruling later this term could change how parties fund and coordinate electoral efforts.
📌 Key Facts
- U.S. Supreme Court considered a Republican-backed appeal on Dec. 9, 2025
- Case targets federal limits on coordinated party spending with candidates
- Outcome could affect campaign spending and advertising strategies in 2026 Twin Cities contests
📊 Relevant Data
The coordinated party expenditure limit for House candidates in states with more than one Representative is $63,600 for general elections in 2025.
Coordinated party expenditure limits — FEC.gov
For Senate candidates, coordinated party expenditure limits in 2025 range from $127,200 in smaller states like Alaska to $3,946,100 in California, based on state voting age population.
Coordinated party expenditure limits — FEC.gov
Total independent expenditures in the 2024 election cycle amounted to $4,205,052,224.
Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, Excluding Party Committees — OpenSecrets
In the 2023-2024 election cycle, Democratic party committees reported total disbursements of $1,559.2 million, while Republican party committees reported $1,076.9 million.
Statistical Summary of 24-Month Campaign Activity of the 2023-2024 Election Cycle — FEC.gov
Political party committees reported $177.5 million in independent expenditures during the 2023-2024 election cycle.
Statistical Summary of 24-Month Campaign Activity of the 2023-2024 Election Cycle — FEC.gov