Supreme Court strikes down limits on party spending in federal elections, backing Republican appeal
From The Associated Press: The Supreme Court issued a ruling which overturned a federal campaign finance law that placed limits on how much political parties could spend in coordination with their candidates. In a 6-3 decision, the Court ruled that the coordination limits violate the First Amendment, opening the way for parties to make direct contributions to campaigns. Read American Promise’s statement on the ruling here.
The incumbent cash advantage has disappeared in the tightest House races
From OpenSecrets: Traditionally, incumbents have enjoyed a financial advantage over their challengers, as their status allows them to raise significantly more money than a less well-connected opponent. This year, however, that advantage has failed to materialize in several close House races. Not because incumbents are raising less, but because challengers are raising even more money. In three close elections, the challengers have even outraised their opponents, boosted by their ability to digitally solicit donations.
‘I got crushed’: AI giants are funding ad wars in races across the country
From The L.A. Times: Super PACs linked to major AI companies have spent more than $38 million so far on campaign ads to influence the 2026 midterm elections. In many cases, the ads they place have nothing to do with AI, and instead stick to generic issues like jobs or healthcare. Further disguising the source of the ads, each of the major AI Super PACs have separate connected PACs for backing Republicans and Democrats, with generic names like “American Mission” and “Jobs and Democracy.” Nevertheless, the PACs are using the midterm elections as a battleground between OpenAI and Anthropic over how and where the government should regulate AI.
Mystery PAC that boosted Bankhead exits Senate race, leaving a financial void
From NBC Montana: In the 4-way race for US Senate in Montana, Democratic candidate Alani Bankhead received more than $3 million in support from Progressive Vet PAC, despite Bankhead herself raising only $24,000. The PAC spent significant amounts of money in the Democratic primary, having formed just before the election so that it didn’t have to disclose its funding until after the primary election. The original source of the PAC’s funding is still unclear. Now, the PAC is dropping out of supporting Bankhead, leading some to speculate that the PAC expected Bankhead to drop out in favor of independent Seth Bodnar, who has received support from high profile Democrats.
