Independent U.S. agency enforcing federal campaign finance law
Multiple investigations into former Rep. Eric Swalwell have intensified as California’s 14th district special election watch tightens. Wahab leads with about 42% of ballots counted; Hernandez is second, with Singh in third. The FEC has demanded Swalwell return campaign funds after suspending his gubernatorial bid amid misconduct allegations. Runoff on August 18 remains possible.
Outside groups have poured billions into 2026 races, with AI, crypto and political power players spending to back or thwart candidates. In NY-12, Maryland’s MD-05, and beyond, pro- and anti-AI committees are influencing races as November approaches, while individual fortunes test the limits of soft money in a polarized landscape.
The judiciary is tightening oversight on executive actions as courts assess the scope of presidential power in civil service and immigration matters. Recent rulings have implications for how federal agencies operate and how the administration handles asylum policy and courthouse arrests.
The Supreme Court has struck down a cap on coordinated party spending in support of candidates, in a 6-3 decision. The ruling upends decades of campaign finance rules, expanding parties’ ability to coordinate with campaigns ahead of the midterms. Republican committees hold a cash advantage over Democrats.
The Supreme Court has ruled that coordinated party spending with campaigns violates the First Amendment, overturning a decades-old cap on party expenditure. The decision is 6-3 in favor of the NRSC, with the majority citing free speech as the justification. The ruling is likely to shift fundraising dynamics ahead of the midterms, as parties can coordinate more with candidates and may attract bigger donations.
Republican fundraising remains dominant, with MAGA Inc. and party committees holding a substantial cash advantage ahead of key Senate races. Democrats face a tougher path despite a slate of strong candidates and notable fundraising, while Supreme Court rulings reshape coordination rules.
Anthropic and a web of AI safety groups are boosting political advertising through large donations to allied super PACs and nonprofits. FEC filings show rising spending as midterms approach. Major donors include Anthropic executives and OpenAI-aligned figures.
Darline Graham, sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, has sworn in to finish his final months in the Senate. A developing race for the full term is under way as potential candidates weigh bids. Funeral services for Lindsey Graham are planned, and the filing window for a special primary opens soon.
Jackson has secured the Democratic nomination for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat at a delegate-dominated convention, replacing Platner amid controversy. Delegates view him as the best path to unseat Susan Collins, while the GOP eye a broad counter-offensive. The field narrows as endorsements consolidate behind Jackson, with the general election now in focus.
Kalshi has launched the Midterms Hub, a live-prediction hub that aggregates odds, polling data, fundraising figures, and analysis for U.S. elections. The platform emphasizes real-time market insights alongside traditional polls, with most visitors not placing trades.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has raised more than $1.7 million for state parties and legislative committees this two-year cycle, showcasing a robust grassroots email-driven fundraising machine. The effort has drawn praise from party leaders in several states and fuels talk of a potential White House run. Other Democrats also contribute to party coffers and key races.