Latest Developments:
- Montana Begins Constitutional Initiative Process to Challenge Corporate Contributions: Montana began a constitutional initiative process aimed at limiting the amount of money corporations can spend, not through traditional campaign laws or limitations, but by limiting corporate charters. Montana Constitutional Amendment
- Colorado Candidates Benefit from the Super PACs They Criticized: Candidates in Colorado’s 2026 governor’s race publicly denounced dark money but benefit from substantial support from super PACs backing their campaigns. Media reports identify the nonprofits sending funds to the PAC, without identifying donors. Bennet and Weiser Poised to Benefit
- Formula 1 Racing Tickets Lead to Possible Ethics Enforcement: Five current and former Clark County commissioners will face the Nevada Commission on Ethics in connection with accepting free, four-day Formula 1 racing tickets worth $10,900 each. Leading up to the 2023 event, commissioners approved the use of public roads for the race and streamlined the permitting process. Ethics Board Reviews F1 Ticket Gifts
- Georgia AG Challenges Rival’s Fundraising Structure: Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has sued his rival in the Georgia Governor’s race, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, alleging his campaign financing structure, and particularly his ability to utilize funds from a leadership committee, violates constitutional rights and gives him an unfair advantage. The federal court complaint cites that the U.S. Supreme Court has “never upheld the constitutionality of a law that imposes different contribution limits for candidates who are competing against each other.” Carr v. Jones Complaint
In Case You Missed It:
- Seattle Voters Extend Democracy Voucher Program: Seattle voters approved Prop 1 to extend the Democracy Voucher Program for another 10 years. Residents pay a property tax levy to fund the program, which gives them four $25 vouchers per election cycle to donate to local candidates. Democracy Vouchers Renewing
- Agricultural Lobbying Ramps Up: U.S. farming groups increased their lobbying spending to $29 million in the first half of 2025—up from $23 million in a similar period last year —prompted by tighter immigration enforcement and evolving labor regulations. US farmers raise lobbying spending
- Kentucky Lobbying Groups Spent Heavily for Events in 2024: In 2024, the total reported amount that lobbying groups spent on events to influence Kentucky lawmakers was $484,000, a 160 percent increase from the pre-pandemic average. One reporter asked to attend some of the events. Inside Frankfort Lobbying Events
- And Please Don’t Ask Again. . .The New York City Campaign Finance Board has denied Mayor Eric Adams millions of dollars of matching funds for the tenth time, with an admonition that he will not be getting funds any time soon. Adams Denied Millions in Matching Funds