The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for July 2, 2026
In the tradition of Citizens United, the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority decided National Republican Senatorial Committee v. FEC, allowing political parties to spend unlimited funds on behalf of a federal candidate. It could unleash even more campaign money and more big donor influence.
The Roberts Court’s previous 2014 McCutcheon decision allowed individuals to give unlimited contributions to candidates, political parties or SuperPACs. While national political parties do have limits for direct contributions to a candidate, since 1971 they were limited in what’s called “coordinated spending” for the candidate, which can include renting venues, sending mail or most importantly, advertising.
June 30th’s opinion allows political parties to spend unlimited coordinated funds for a federal candidate’s campaign, or for a state party to spend on behalf of their federal candidates. The court found that the limits on coordinated spending were a violation of First Amendment free speech rights.
The decision may shift contributions from SuperPACs, which, theoretically, have no coordination with candidate campaigns, to the Democratic and Republican parties, which now have no restrictions on coordination.
Tiffany Muller, president of money-in-politics group End Citizens United said in a statement, “This ruling will inject even more money into campaigns and make it easier for corporations and wealthy donors to shape our government to serve their interests.”
We’ve linked to the opinion and analysis of its expected impact at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
U.S. Supreme Court – Opinion in Republican Senate Campaign Committee v. FEC
Federal Election Commission – Supreme Court issues opinion in National Republican Senatorial Committee, et al. v. FEC, et al.
SCOTUSblog – Justices strike down campaign finance law
Covington & Burling Law Firm – Supreme Court Decision in National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission Empowers Political Parties, Calls Other Restrictions into Question
End Citizens United – ECU Blasts SCOTUS for Siding With Billionaires and Special Interests Over Voters in NRSC v. FEC
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – (2025) U.S. Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Coordinated Campaign Finance Limits for Political Parties. It Could Unleash Another Torrent of Election Cash.
Groups Taking Action:
Issue One, Public Citizen, Campaign Legal Center/League of Women Voters/Common Cause
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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