Supreme Court Strikes Down Coordinated Campaign Spending Limits

The Supreme Court of the United States ruled 6-3 on June 30, 2026, that federal limits on coordinated spending between political parties and their candidates violate the First Amendment. In National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission, the court overturned a 2001 precedent, removing caps that previously ranged from $65,300 to $4 million depending on the candidate and state population. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing for the majority, stated the decision allows parties to compete more fully and coordinate more closely with candidates on messaging and strategy.

Justice Elena Kagan authored a dissent, arguing the ruling enables wealthy donors to circumvent individual contribution limits by using parties as conduits, thereby inviting quid pro quo corruption. The legal challenge was initiated in 2022 by JD Vance, Steve Chabot, and several Republican committees. In a separate action the same day, the Court struck down an executive order by President Donald Trump to end birthright citizenship.

The decision is expected to provide an immediate financial advantage to Republicans, as the Republican National Committee held approximately $125 million in cash as of May, while the Democratic National Committee operated with a budget deficit. Republican leaders praised the ruling as a victory for free speech, with the RNC announcing a midterm convention in Texas to leverage the change. Democratic leaders condemned the move as a win for billionaire donors and special interests.