Federal Election Commission
Coverage of Federal Election Commission in the Nexus archive.
- AP Decision Notes: What to expect in California’s special congressional election
Following U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell's resignation, constituents in California’s 14th Congressional District will elect a replacement through a special election. State Sen. Aisha Wahab and Bay Area Rapid Transit Board President Melissa Hernandez are the two competitors for the seat. Outside groups have spent substantial amounts of money on the race, with Bold America and United Democracy Project spending millions since the special primary.
- Far-left politicians still using ActBlue as 88-year-old disputes donating nearly $150,000 to fundraising giant
Progressive politicians like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Abdul El-Sayed continue using the ActBlue fundraising platform despite congressional investigations into its ability to prevent illegal foreign donations. Attention was recently drawn to federal records showing an 88-year-old woman disputing nearly $150,000 in attributed political contributions. Investigations remain ongoing regarding alleged fraud and safeguards against improper funding.
- Far-left politicians still using ActBlue as 88-year-old disputes donating nearly $150,000 to fundraising giant
Progressives such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders continue using ActBlue for fundraising despite congressional investigations into allegations of failing to prevent illegal foreign donations. The platform was recently highlighted after an 88-year-old Michigan woman disputed nearly $150,000 in attributed donations processed through the system. Despite controversy, ActBlue remains one of the primary online fundraising platforms for Democratic candidates and progressive organizations.
- Schumer dealt another blow as progressive insurgency scores win in key Senate battle
Progressives achieved a victory in Minnesota when Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan beat Rep. Angie Craig, marking what is described as a progressive proxy war reshaping the Democratic Party. This trend has been noted as diminishing the morale of Chuck Schumer’s establishment, while figures like Flanagan and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed are seen successfully challenging status quo candidates. The political shifts include campaigns focusing on issues such as Medicare for all and opposition to ICE.
- Berman wins Democratic nod to challenge Steil in Wisconsin’s 1st District
Mitchell Berman won handily in a three-way primary for Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District, aiming to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil. Berman received endorsements from the United Auto Workers union and plans to take on Steil in the November 3 general election. The outcome was highlighted by DCCC chair Suzan DelBene, who criticized Steil for his ties to special interests.
- Big money propels Dem megachurch pastor to victory in longshot Kansas Senate bid
Adam Hamilton, a megachurch pastor, won a crowded primary in Kansas Senate race against incumbent Senator Roger Marshall. Hamilton raised $4.1 million, while Marshall raised $6.2 million. Marshall criticized Hamilton as 'woke,' while Hamilton's campaign highlighted Marshall's voting record and limited local donations.
- Big money propels Dem megachurch pastor to victory in longshot Kansas Senate bid
Adam Hamilton, a megachurch pastor and political newcomer, won a crowded Kansas Democratic primary for Senate against 11 candidates. He faces incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall, who criticized Hamilton's 'woke' messaging but acknowledged a funding disadvantage. Both candidates have raised significant campaign funds, with Hamilton securing $4.1 million and Marshall $6.2 million.
- ‘LaPolitics’: Will increased spending by political parties matter in Louisiana?
The U.S. Supreme Court removed limits on coordinated spending between political parties and candidates, potentially boosting major parties' influence. Louisiana's campaign finance laws already allow unlimited contributions from recognized parties, so the ruling is unlikely to significantly impact state elections, as noted by Louisiana Board of Ethics administrator David Bordelon. Political strategists suggest the decision may favor Republicans nationally but has limited immediate relevance in Louisiana due to non-competitive races.
- Mike Rogers campaign for U.S. Senate loses $16,700 in invoice fraud
Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers' campaign for U.S. Senate lost $16,700 after paying a fraudulent invoice linked to a hacked vendor email, as reported by the Federal Election Commission. The campaign stated the payment was made through normal business channels but could not be recovered due to insufficient funds in the fraudulent account.
- Debt-ridden Democrats tap a surprising asset as collateral for $15M loan
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) secured a $15 million loan using its headquarters as collateral amid significant debt, with an additional $5 million available. The DNC holds $18.5 million in debt and $16.3 million in cash, contrasting sharply with the Republican National Committee's $128.5 million in cash and no debt.
- DNC Chair Ken Martin threw phone at aide's desk, faced HR complaint in sign of 'fraying nerves': report
DNC Chair Ken Martin faced an HR complaint after allegedly throwing a phone at a junior aide's desk in July. The DNC reported $16.3 million in cash and $18.5 million in debt in June, contrasting with the RNC's $128.5 million in cash and no debt. Martin apologized to the aide and the DNC used its Washington headquarters as collateral for a $15 million loan.
- YouTube star Ms Rachel gives funds to democratic socialist Michigan Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed
Ms. Rachel, a children's YouTube educator, donated $3,000 to Abdul El-Sayed's Michigan Senate campaign. The donation drew criticism from the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which accused El-Sayed and Ms. Rachel of promoting a 'socialist, anti-America agenda.' El-Sayed, supported by progressive figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has called for an arms embargo against Israel and accused it of genocide in Gaza.
- Democratic primary: 2 candidates seek to succeed Wasserman Schultz in Florida’s newly redrawn 25th Congressional District
Two Democratic candidates, U.S. Rep. Jared E. Moskowitz and Oliver A. Larkin, are competing to succeed U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz in Florida’s newly redrawn 25th Congressional District. Moskowitz has raised over $2.65 million, while Larkin has raised over $541,000. The Democratic primary is scheduled for August 18, with a general election on November 3.
- The battle for Congress gets a Wall Street-style scoreboard powered by real-money bets
Prediction markets, such as Kalshi's Midterms Hub, are becoming a key tool for tracking U.S. political races by offering real-time election forecasts based on trader activity. The platform combines live market odds, polling data, fundraising reports, and news to provide a dynamic view of congressional and gubernatorial contests.
- The battle for Congress gets a Wall Street-style scoreboard powered by real-money bets
Kalshi launched a Midterms Hub offering real-time election forecasts through prediction markets, integrating live odds, polling data, fundraising reports, and news. The platform aims to provide a dynamic view of congressional races, with users primarily using it for monitoring rather than trading. Kalshi plans to expand the tool beyond the 2026 midterm elections.
- VA-01 Democrats escalate dispute with state party over primary neutrality
Six Democrats in Virginia’s 1st congressional district primary dispute the Democratic Party of Virginia’s neutrality, citing FEC filings showing the party’s participation in a joint fundraising committee with candidate Shannon Taylor’s campaign. The candidates also question payments to DPVA Treasurer Abbi Easter for consulting work and demand transparency over governance and conflict-of-interest concerns.
- Senate Dems rake in jaw-dropping cash — with Ossoff and Talarico leading the pack
Senate Democrats, including Ossoff and Talarico, are significantly outperforming their Republican counterparts in fundraising according to FEC data.
- Case And Keohokalole Ramp Up Their Spending In Advance Of August Primary
Case and Keohokalole raised and spent similar amounts in the last quarter ahead of the August primary, but Case has more remaining funds for the final campaign phase according to FEC filings.
- Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman still eyeing runs to replace Lindsey Graham despite Trump snub
Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman are considering Senate bids to replace the late senator in South Carolina despite President Trump's endorsement of Darline Graham Nordone. Trump urged Nordone, the sister of the late senator appointed by Governor Henry McMaster, to run, but other candidates like Russell Fry, Pamela Evette, and Mark Sanford are also in the mix.
- Harlan Crow Maxed Out Campaign Donations to John Fetterman
Billionaire Republican donor Harlan Crow donated the maximum allowed amount to Senator John Fetterman's campaign. Fetterman, known for a shift in ideological stances, launched a bipartisan fundraising committee with Republican Senator Dave McCormick.
- Dems churn through cash ahead of tense Michigan Senate primary
Democrats in Michigan's Senate primary are spending significant funds, with Abdul El-Sayed leading fundraising at $4.6 million and Mike Rogers, the likely GOP nominee, holding $5.7 million in cash. The race highlights a competitive battleground state critical for Senate control.
- Ossoff rakes in another $20M, building on fundraising advantage in race for Georgia Senate seat
Jon Ossoff raised $20 million in the last quarter, totaling $81 million for his Georgia U.S. Senate campaign, while Mike Collins raised $2.1 million. Ossoff's campaign emphasizes grassroots support, while Collins highlights donations from Georgians. A recent Fox News poll shows Ossoff leading Collins by 13 points.
- South Carolina's governor should appoint Graham’s sister to finish his term, Trump says
President Donald Trump recommends Darline Graham Nordone as interim replacement for Lindsey Graham in the U.S. Senate, with South Carolina's governor expected to announce the appointment. A special election will be held next month to fill the remaining term.
- Sen. Lindsey Graham death: What happens to senate seat?
Sen. Lindsey Graham's death raises questions about his Senate seat replacement. Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement until January, followed by a special primary in August to select a Republican nominee for the November general election. Federal election timing issues and potential candidates are under discussion.
- Party Machines Weren’t So Bad After All
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down federal limits on political parties' coordinated spending with federal candidates, arguing this could restore parties' leverage in assembling coalitions and negotiating compromises. The article critiques the assumption that small-dollar donors improve democracy, citing evidence that they often prioritize partisan conflict over practical governance and disproportionately support ideologically extreme candidates.
- Troy Jackson makes his Senate run official
Troy Jackson, a progressive ally of Graham Platner, officially launched a Senate campaign with endorsements from Bernie Sanders and progressive support. A flash poll by Platner's campaign and POLITICO showed Jackson leading over Susan Collins, though he has distanced himself from Platner.
- House Dem back in the spotlight as brother faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted
Rep. Henry Cuellar's political prospects are complicated by his brother Martin Cuellar's legal troubles, as Martin faces up to 10 years in prison for allegedly misappropriating county funds. Henry Cuellar, previously pardoned by President Donald Trump for bribery and related charges, is running for re-election while his family's legal issues remain in the public eye.
- Dem Senate hopeful pocketed massive taxpayer-funded cash while skipping hundreds of votes
Josh Turek, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Iowa, received over $20,000 in per diem payments while missing more than half of his 2026 votes, with absences linked to campaign events and lower fundraising compared to other candidates.
- The Supreme Court’s Campaign-Finance Decision Is Actually Good
The Supreme Court struck down a law limiting coordinated spending by political parties in National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission, a decision criticized by Democrats and left-leaning groups as favoring donors and special interests. The author argues the ruling could strengthen political parties, reduce reliance on super PACs, and improve transparency in campaign finance.
- How SCOTUS striking limits on party spending could impact key midterm races
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned a 50-year-old federal law limiting political party spending in coordination with candidates, expanding First Amendment protections for money in politics. The 6-3 decision benefits Republican candidates by enabling unlimited spending and coordination, potentially increasing TV ad spending in key midterm races like Maine’s Senate election.
- Supreme Court eases spending rules in win for GOP as U.S. Senate battles brew
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down federal limits on political parties' spending on federal candidates, allowing unlimited coordination between parties and candidates. The decision is seen as a Republican advantage in the 2026 Senate race between Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins in Georgia, with Republican committees holding significantly more funds than Democratic counterparts.
- Justices strike down campaign finance law
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to strike down federal limits on coordinated spending by political parties with candidates, citing First Amendment violations. The decision in National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission overturned the 2001 Colorado Republican Federal Campaign Committee ruling. Justices Kavanaugh (majority) and Kagan (dissent) highlighted opposing views on free speech and democratic integrity.
- Supreme Court strikes down limits on party spending in federal elections, backing Republican appeal
The Supreme Court eliminated limits on political party spending in federal elections, reversing a 50-year-old law. A Republican-led lawsuit, including Vice President JD Vance, challenged these limits, which were previously upheld in 2001. The decision aligns with the 2010 Citizens United ruling and shifts campaign finance rules, allowing parties to spend freely in coordination with candidates.
- Supreme Court strikes down limits on party spending in federal elections, backing Republican appeal
The Supreme Court eliminated limits on political party spending in coordination with federal candidates, overturning a 50-year-old law. The decision followed a Republican-led lawsuit involving Vice President JD Vance and was influenced by the 2010 Citizens United ruling. The Federal Election Commission later ceased defending the law after President Donald Trump's second term began.
- Supreme Court strikes down limits on party spending in federal elections, backing Republican appeal
The Supreme Court eliminated federal limits on political party spending in coordination with candidates, following a Republican-led lawsuit including JD Vance. The decision overturns a 50-year-old law, aligning with the 2010 Citizens United ruling, and was supported by the Federal Election Commission under President Donald Trump's administration.
- Supreme Court strikes down limits on party spending in federal elections, backing Republican appeal
The Supreme Court eliminated limits on coordinated political party spending in federal elections, overturning a 50-year-old law. The decision, driven by a Republican-led lawsuit including Vice President JD Vance, expands spending rights previously limited to prevent circumvention of individual contribution caps.
- Supreme Court strikes down limits on party spending in federal elections, backing Republican appeal
The Supreme Court eliminated limits on political party spending in federal elections, overturning a 50-year-old law. A Republican-led lawsuit, including Vice President JD Vance, challenged these restrictions, which previously prevented large donors from bypassing contribution caps by funneling funds to parties. The decision aligns with the court's 2010 Citizens United ruling but reverses a 2001 precedent that upheld the spending limits.
- The final four
The Supreme Court announced its final four cases for the term, including Trump v. Barbara (birthright citizenship) and cases on transgender athletes and campaign finance. On Monday, the court issued rulings in four cases, including decisions on the FTC’s for-cause removal provision, the removal of a Federal Reserve Governor, mail-in ballot deadlines, and cellphone location privacy. Additional cases were added to the 2026-27 term docket.
- Davis could see more financial support as he faces Letlow in Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race
Jamie Davis, a Democrat, and Julia Letlow, a Republican, will face off in Louisiana’s November U.S. Senate race after winning their runoff elections. Letlow, an incumbent congresswoman with President Trump’s endorsement, raised $5.3 million in campaign funds, while Davis, who raised $1.2 million, is expected to receive increased financial support from national Democratic groups. Analysts suggest the race will likely reflect core party values in a predominantly Republican state.
- GOP voters pick Trump-backed nominee in battle to flip crucial House seat
Peter Oberacker, a Trump-backed Republican, won the GOP primary in New York’s 19th district, securing the nomination to challenge incumbent Rep. Josh Riley, D-N.Y., in the November general election. The district, a target for Republicans aiming to maintain House control, last elected a Republican in 2022. Oberacker, with a food business background, focuses on rural agriculture and energy cost issues.