February 12, 2025 •
District Court Permanently Blocks Implementation of Minnesota’s 2023 Foreign Influence

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The U.S. District Court permanently enjoined a statute passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023 that prevented entities who had a single foreign investor with a 1% interest or an aggregate of foreign investors holding 5% interest from making any […]
The U.S. District Court permanently enjoined a statute passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023 that prevented entities who had a single foreign investor with a 1% interest or an aggregate of foreign investors holding 5% interest from making any independent expenditures or contributions. The court determined in its final ruling in Minnesota Chamber of Commerce v. Choi the statute violated the First Amendment right to free speech. Specifically, the court acknowledged the state has a compelling interest to prevent foreign influence in its elections but concluded the statute was not narrowly tailored to accomplish that interest.
February 12, 2025 •
Massachusetts Special Election Scheduled

The Massachusetts House of Representatives called for a special election to be held on May 13 for District 6. Rep. Jerald Parisella declined to take the oath of office for a new term because he was appointed as an associate […]
The Massachusetts House of Representatives called for a special election to be held on May 13 for District 6. Rep. Jerald Parisella declined to take the oath of office for a new term because he was appointed as an associate justice of the District Court in November. A special primary will take place April 15.
February 11, 2025 •
Iowa Special Election Scheduled for March 11, 2025

Gov. Kim Reynolds called a special election for March 11, 2025, to fill the Iowa House District 100 vacancy caused by the death of Rep. Martin Graber. Before the special election, the state Democratic and Republican parties will convene for district nominating […]
Gov. Kim Reynolds called a special election for March 11, 2025, to fill the Iowa House District 100 vacancy caused by the death of Rep. Martin Graber. Before the special election, the state Democratic and Republican parties will convene for district nominating conventions, where delegates will select their party candidates for the seat. The winner of the special election will hold the seat until the end of Graber’s elected term and the seat will be on the general election ballot in 2026.
February 11, 2025 •
Florida to Hold Additional Special Session Regarding Immigration Reform

Gov. DeSantis has called for a special session on February 11 to try again to enact sweeping immigration reform. Following the abrupt ending to the last special session, DeSantis again called on lawmakers to pass an aggressive bill that will […]
Gov. DeSantis has called for a special session on February 11 to try again to enact sweeping immigration reform. Following the abrupt ending to the last special session, DeSantis again called on lawmakers to pass an aggressive bill that will address illegal immigration in the state.
February 10, 2025 •
Jim Tressel Chosen for Ohio Lieutenant Governor

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Gov. Mike DeWine will nominate Jim Tressel as the new lieutenant governor of Ohio. Former Lt. Gov. Jon Husted resigned to replace Vice President JD Vance in the U.S. Senate. Tressel was previously the head football coach at The Ohio […]
Gov. Mike DeWine will nominate Jim Tressel as the new lieutenant governor of Ohio. Former Lt. Gov. Jon Husted resigned to replace Vice President JD Vance in the U.S. Senate. Tressel was previously the head football coach at The Ohio State University and most recently, the president of Youngstown State University. This appointment will last until the next election in 2026.
February 7, 2025 •
Kentucky Publishes Contribution Limit Adjustments

The Kentucky Registry of Election Finance published the new contribution limits effective January 1 on its website. Contribution limits for individuals and PACs increased from $2,100 to $2,200 to candidates per election and to PACs and contributing organizations per year. […]
The Kentucky Registry of Election Finance published the new contribution limits effective January 1 on its website. Contribution limits for individuals and PACs increased from $2,100 to $2,200 to candidates per election and to PACs and contributing organizations per year. The $2,200 contribution limit is not applicable to political issues committees.
February 7, 2025 •
Minnesota Special Election Scheduled for March 11, 2025

Gov. Tim Walz issued a writ of special election to fill the vacant seat in House District 40B following the resignation of Representative-elect Curtis Johnson after a district judge ruled the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) candidate did not meet the residency […]
Gov. Tim Walz issued a writ of special election to fill the vacant seat in House District 40B following the resignation of Representative-elect Curtis Johnson after a district judge ruled the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) candidate did not meet the residency requirement to serve the district. The special election will be held on Tuesday, March 11. If necessary, a special primary election will be held on Tuesday, February 25. The Minnesota Supreme Court canceled a previously scheduled date ruling Gov. Walz scheduled the election too soon. The decision left Republicans with a one-seat advantage in the chamber over the DFL, who were boycotting the session as a result. Wednesday evening DFL and Republican caucus leadership reached an agreement to organize the body. With a quorum for the first time, the House officially began the 2025-26 session Thursday, February 6, after a more than three-week DFL boycott and elected Republican Rep. Lisa Demuth as speaker.
February 5, 2025 •
Illinois 2025 Campaign Contribution Limits Published

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The State Board of Elections published the new contribution limits summary sheet, which increases limits on January 1 of every odd-numbered year to reflect increases in inflation. The amount corporations and labor organizations may contribute in each election cycle increased […]
The State Board of Elections published the new contribution limits summary sheet, which increases limits on January 1 of every odd-numbered year to reflect increases in inflation. The amount corporations and labor organizations may contribute in each election cycle increased from $13,700 to $14,600 to any candidate committee; from $27,400 to $29,100 to any political party or legislative caucus committee; and from $27,400 to $29,100 to any PAC. The amount an individual may contribute in each election cycle increased from $6,900 to $7,300 to any candidate committee; from $13,700 to $14,600 to any political party or legislative caucus committee; and from $13,700 to $14,600 to any PAC. The amount PACs are limited to contributing to any candidate committee, political party committee, legislative caucus committee, or PAC each election cycle increased from $68,500 to $72,800.
February 4, 2025 •
South Carolina Increases Lobbying Limits

The South Carolina Ethics Commission announced the adjusted spending limits for lobbyist principals on February 3. The limits increased from $70 per day and $560 per calendar year to $75 per day and $600 per calendar year. The limits are […]
The South Carolina Ethics Commission announced the adjusted spending limits for lobbyist principals on February 3. The limits increased from $70 per day and $560 per calendar year to $75 per day and $600 per calendar year. The limits are retroactively effective January 1. No lobbyist principal or person acting on behalf of a lobbyist principal may provide to a public official or a public employee the value of lodging, transportation, entertainment, food meals, or beverages exceeding the spending limits per public official or public employee.
February 3, 2025 •
Vermont Increases Contribution Limits

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The state’s Elections Division increased contribution limits to adjust for inflation. Under the revised limits, contributions per election cycle are capped at $5,180 for statewide candidates and PACs; $1,290 for state House candidates; and $1,940 for state Senate candidates.
The state’s Elections Division increased contribution limits to adjust for inflation. Under the revised limits, contributions per election cycle are capped at $5,180 for statewide candidates and PACs; $1,290 for state House candidates; and $1,940 for state Senate candidates.
February 3, 2025 •
Maine Increases Contribution Limits

The Commission on Governmental Ethics and Elections Practices raised contribution limits based on adjustments to the consumer price index. Individuals, PACs, and corporations may now contribute up to $2,075 per election to gubernatorial candidates; $500 per election to legislative candidates; […]
The Commission on Governmental Ethics and Elections Practices raised contribution limits based on adjustments to the consumer price index. Individuals, PACs, and corporations may now contribute up to $2,075 per election to gubernatorial candidates; $500 per election to legislative candidates; and $600 per election for municipal candidates. The next adjustment to contribution limits is expected to occur in 2027.
January 21, 2025 •
Minnesota Supreme Court Cancels Special Election

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The Minnesota Supreme Court canceled a special election for House District 40B set for January 28. The court agreed with Republicans who claimed Gov. Walz scheduled the election too soon, ruling state law allows the governor to call a special […]
The Minnesota Supreme Court canceled a special election for House District 40B set for January 28. The court agreed with Republicans who claimed Gov. Walz scheduled the election too soon, ruling state law allows the governor to call a special election only after the legislative session begins and a vacancy is clear. Democrat Curtis Johnson won a Roseville-area seat in November but was disqualified by a judge over residency questions and declined to appeal.
The decision left Republicans with a one-seat advantage in the chamber over Democrats, who have been boycotting the session as a result. There is a separate legal dispute before the court over the legitimacy of the session convening without Democrats present. Walz has not yet set a new date for the election but stated it will now likely happen in March.
January 21, 2025 •
Pennsylvania State Representative Passed Away

Rep. Matt Gergely has passed away after suffering a medical emergency. Gergely represented Pennsylvania’s 35th district after winning a special election in 2023. A special election will be held to fill the vacancy.
Rep. Matt Gergely has passed away after suffering a medical emergency. Gergely represented Pennsylvania’s 35th district after winning a special election in 2023. A special election will be held to fill the vacancy.
January 21, 2025 •
South Carolina Representative Resigns Prompting Special Election

Rep. Will Wheeler announced his resignation three days into the new legislative session. Wheeler is a Democrat who represented District 50 and cited his reason for leaving was to take a new path in his life for the sake of […]
Rep. Will Wheeler announced his resignation three days into the new legislative session. Wheeler is a Democrat who represented District 50 and cited his reason for leaving was to take a new path in his life for the sake of his health and his family. His resignation was effective January 17 and a special election is expected to be announced in the coming days.
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