LobbyComply Blog

Campaign Finance

National: “New Dark Money Network Could Exploit Campaign Finance Loophole Banning Federal Contractors” by Robert Schmad (Washington Examiner) for MSN

National: “Supreme Court Weighs Further Loosening Campaign Finance Limits” by Julian Mark (Washington Post) for MSN

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma’s Campaign Finance Site Has Been Offline for Months. Why?” by Alex Gladden (Oklahoman) for MSN

Ethics

California: “An SDPD Captain Helped Secure a Multimillion-Dollar Surveillance Deal. Now He Works for the Contractor.” by Jeff McDonald (San Diego Union-Tribune) for MSN

National: “Supreme Court Seems Likely to Back Trump’s Power to Fire Independent Agency Board Members” by Mark Sherman (Associated Press) for MSN

New Jersey: “Trump Loyalist Alina Habba Resigns as New Jersey’s Top Federal Prosecutor” by Jeremy Roebuck and Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN

Pennsylvania: “Former Dauphin County Official’s NRA Show Contract Didn’t Violate Ethics Law, State Finds” by Juliette Rihl (PennLive) for MSN

Lobbying

Nevada: “Sandoval, Aguero, Vellardita Won’t Face Sanctions for Failing to Register as Lobbyists” by Dana Gentry (Nevada Current) for Yahoo News

On December 9, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments concerning certain campaign finance restrictions and whether they should be struck down. The issue specifically addressed before the court was the constitutionality of legal restraints on how much political parties can spend on their own campaign advertising if it is done in cooperation or coordination with the candidates the party wants to get elected. In National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission, plaintiffs argued the limits on coordinated party expenditures violate the First Amendment, either on their face or as applied to party spending in connection with party coordinated communications.

This case is an appeal from a decision by a 10-judge majority of the en banc Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, which had previously upheld the limitations as constitutional. In doing so, the lower court acknowledged that while the U.S. Supreme Court had addressed the free-speech restrictions on campaign finance regulation in recent years, but any new assessment of the validity of the limits would need to be addressed by the U.S. Supreme Court.

A decision is expected in July of 2026.

---

Never miss a lobbying compliance deadline. Sign up for our online guidebooks today!

Campaign Finance

Georgia: “Georgia Ethics Panel Decides a GOP Candidate for Governor Can Loan $10M to Aid His Election” by Jeff Amy (Associated Press) for MSN

Ohio: “‘Weak Slap on the Wrist’: Elections Commission fines HB 6 repeal group just $400 for violations” by Anna Staver (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Wisconsin: “Unlimited Donations, Weak Recusal Rules Led to Record Wisconsin Supreme Court Spending” by Larry Sandler (Wisconsin Watch) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Supreme Court Will Hear Case on Trump’s Ban on Birthright Citizenship” by Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “What We Know About Suspect Brian Cole’s Arrest in Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Case” by Connor Greene (Time) for MSN

New York: “Grand Jury Refuses to Reindict Letitia James in Mortgage Fraud Case” by Perry Stein and Gregory Schneider (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

California: “California Lobbyist Pleads Guilty in Capitol Corruption Case” by Alan Riquelmy for Courthouse News Service

Redistricting

Texas: “Supreme Court Hands Trump Victory in Fight over Texas Congressional Map” by Justin Jouvenal, Julian Mark, and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Gov. Kelly Armstrong informed legislative leaders January 21, 2026 is the tentative date for a special session of the 69th Legislative Assembly to act on anticipated federal funding for North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program. Once the state receives notice of the funding award from CMS, the governor will issue an executive order officially convening the Legislature for the special session.

Gov. J. Kevin Stitt ordered a special election to fill the vacancy in House District 92 after Rep. Forrest Bennett resigned to become President of the Oklahoma AFL-CIO. A special primary election will be held on June 16, 2026 and a special runoff election is scheduled for August 25, 2026, if necessary. The special general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, but will be moved up if the primary or runoff election is not needed. The full term for House District 92 is also up for election on the regular 2026 election calendar, and candidates may run on both ballots.

A special election will be held January 6 to fill a vacancy in Assembly District 25. The seat was previously held by Bobby Sanchez who resigned after being elected as the mayor of New Britain.

---

Do you know if your activities are defined as lobbying? We do. Take a walkthrough demo of our guidebooks today.

National/Federal

The Forgotten Court Case That Let Billionaires Spend Big on Elections

MSN – Beth Reinhard (Washington Post) | Published: 12/1/2025

The focus on Citizens United in the last 15 years has obscured a less-recognized campaign finance case, one that never made it to the Supreme Court. SpeechNow.org v. FEC paved the way for the super PACs frequently used by billionaires for election-year spending sprees. While Citizens United abolished the ban on independent expenditures by corporations and unions, SpeechNow went one step further. It erased limits on contributions to political committees that make independent expenditures and do not give money directly to candidates or parties. These entities took on the catchier name of super PACs.

Fugees Rapper Pras Michel Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison Over Illegal Donations to Obama Campaign

MSN – Michael Kunzelman (Associated Press) | Published: 11/20/2025

Grammy-winning rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel of the Fugees was sentenced to 14 years in prison for illegally funneling millions of dollars in foreign contributions to former President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. In April 2023, a federal jury convicted Michel of 10 counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. The trial included testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Former President of Honduras, Convicted of Trafficking, Freed after Trump Pardon

MSN – Tobi Raji, Shayna Jacobs, and Samantha Schmidt (Washington Post) | Published: 12/2/2025

Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, convicted by a U.S. court last year on charges he ran the Central American nation as a “narco-state” that helped send South American cocaine to the United States, has been released from federal prison after receiving a pardon from President Trump. Hernández was serving 45 years in prison on importation and weapons charges. U.S. prosecutors said he built his political career on millions of dollars in bribes from traffickers in Honduras and Mexico, and as president helped to move at least 400 tons of cocaine to the U.S. while protecting traffickers from extradition and prosecution.

Trump Rails Against Somali Migrants: ‘I don’t want them in our country’

MSN – Amy Wang and Caroline O’Donovan (Washington Post) | Published: 11/2/2025

President Trump ended a Cabinet meeting with a rant against Somali migrants, accusing them of having “ripped off” Minnesota and using dehumanizing language to attack a group he has increasingly targeted in recent weeks. The president’s comments came amid reports his administration is ramping up immigration enforcement efforts targeting undocumented Somali immigrants in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Trump recently threatened to end temporary protected status for Somali immigrants in Minnesota and, without evidence, accused “Somali gangs” of terrorizing people there.

Northwestern to Pay $75 Million to End Trump Administration Probes

MSN – Angie Orellana Hernandez (Washington Post) | Published: 11/29/2025

Northwestern University has become the sixth school to reach a deal with the Trump administration in an agreement that ends federal investigations into allegations of unlawful discrimination, race-based admissions, and fostering a hostile educational environment for Jewish students. The deal requires Northwestern to pay $75 million to the U.S. government over several years; in turn, the administration will restore nearly $800 million in federal research funding that had been frozen since April.

Trump Says He Will Pardon Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar

MSN – Mariana Alfaro, Kadia Goba, and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) | Published: 12/3/2025

President Trump said he will pardon U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, unexpectedly ending the prosecution of a member of the opposing party. Cuellar, one of the most conservative Democrats in the House, was charged last year with bribery, money laundering, and conspiracy. Trump also pardoned Cuellar’s wife, who also had been charged. The indictment detailed a bold corruption scheme in which Cuellar allegedly promised to wield his power as a member of Congress to advocate for his benefactors.

The New York Times Sues the Pentagon Over Press Restrictions

MSN – Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 12/4/2025

The New York Times sued the Defense Department over its press policy prohibiting journalists from soliciting any information not explicitly authorized for release by the government. The Times alleged the press rules violated the First Amendment’s guarantee of a free press and the newspaper’s due process rights under the Fifth Amendment.

From the States and Municipalities

Canada – Ontario Will Require Skills Grant Applicants to Reveal If They Hired Lobbyists

Toronto Star – Moira Welsh | Published: 12/2/2025

Bowing to pressure, the Ontario government will soon require that groups hiring lobbyists for help in getting millions of dollars from the Skills Development Fund will now have to report those connections in their application. The change is expected by the end of the year. Labor Minister David Piccini has been under fire since auditor general Shelley Spence an audit found Piccini and his predecessor handed out $126 million in training funding to 64 organizations that used lobbyists to push applications ranked “low and medium” in a process that was “not fair, transparent or accountable.”

California – DWP Employee Made Assistants Run Personal Errands, Buy Her Snoop Dogg Tickets, Ethics Enforcer Says

MSN – Noah Goldberg (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 11/26/2025

A high-ranking employee at the Department of Water and Power (DWP) made staffers run personal errands for her, including purchasing tickets to a Snoop Dogg concert, according to the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission’s director of enforcement. It is alleged that Renette Anderson, an executive assistant to the DWP’s general manager, asked subordinates to book a plane ticket for her personal travel, make physical therapy appointments for her, purchase party supplies for a non-work party at her home, and make a service appointment at a Mercedes Benz dealership for her personal vehicle.

California – International Travel. Fancy Meals. Missing Receipts. Who Paid the Tab for This Top Official?

MSN – Paige St. John (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 12/4/2025

Ricardo Lara’s transition from influence-brokering California legislator to insurance regulator was rocky. Almost immediately upon assuming office in 2019, the state insurance commissioner was discovered soliciting money from those he regulated, even allowing his campaign fundraiser to set his office calendar. Lara is now under two new investigations for potential campaign finance and ethics violations and accused by consumer advocates of cozying up to those he regulates.

California – Unindicted Co-Conspirator Stays Silent After FBI Arrests but Still on SCIF Board

MSN – Lia Russell (Sacramento Bee) | Published: 12/3/2025

Weeks after four top Sacramento political figures were ensnared in an FBI corruption probe, one of them, lobbyist Alexis Podesta, has remained quiet and emerged relatively unscathed. Despite speculation that Gov. Gavin Newsom would remove her, Podesta attended a regularly scheduled meeting for the State Compensation Insurance Fund, the state agency on whose board of directors she sits. Podesta’s attorney has confirmed his client is an unindicted co-conspirator cited in the indictment from federal prosecutors.

District of Columbia – Judge Limits Warrantless Immigration Arrests in DC

MSN – Hassan Ali Kanu and Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 12/2/2025

A federal judge restricted the Trump administration’s ability to arrest suspected undocumented immigrants in the District of Columbia without a warrant, saying the arrests are only permissible if authorities have reason to believe the person is likely to escape. Government attorneys had disputed whether agents are using a lower standard than probable cause, but U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell ruled the plaintiffs’ accounts of their arrests and multiple public statements by high-ranking officials proved otherwise.

Florida – Florida Becomes the GOP’s Biggest Redistricting Test – and a Messy One

MSN – Gary Fineout (Politico) | Published: 12/2/2025

Florida is barreling into a mid-decade redistricting fight with Republicans in and out of the state pushing for action, but party leaders are split on how far to go and when to start. Those pushing the effort believe the state could yield three to five additional GOP House seats ahead of the 2026 midterms, a haul big enough to influence control of Congress. But the drive comes amid an ongoing power struggle inside the state Capitol and legal constraints that make Florida one of the hardest places in the country to redraw lines for partisan gain.

Georgia – Georgia Case Against Trump Dropped, Ending Efforts to Punish President over 2020 Election Aftermath

MSN – Kate Brumback (Associated Press) | Published: 11/26/2025

A judge dismissed the Georgia election interference case against President Trump and others after the prosecutor who took over the case said he would not pursue the charges, ending the last effort to punish the president in the courts for his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss. Pete Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, took over the case from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who was removed over an “appearance of impropriety” created by a romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she chose to lead the case.

Illinois – Former Inspector General Joe Ferguson Fined $5K for Revealing Botched Little Village Smokestack Implosion Could Have Been Prevented

WTTW – Heather Cherone | Published: 11/28/2025

The Chicago Board of Ethics fined former Inspector General Joe Ferguson $5,000 for violating the city’s ethics ordinance by divulging a confidential report that found city officials could have prevented a plume of dust from enveloping Little Village in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when crews demolished the former Crawford Power Plant. Ferguson said that while he was disappointed by the fine, he had no regrets about his decision to send the report to two unidentified media organizations.

Indiana – Indiana Republicans’ Proposed Map Breaks Indianapolis into 4 Districts

MSN – Marissa Meador (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 12/1/2025

Indiana House Republicans released a proposed map with new congressional district lines that could lead to the elimination of the two Democrats from the state’s congressional delegation if passed. The official map marks a major step forward for Indiana’s redistricting proponents who had failed for weeks to sway reluctant senators on the plan to draw new districts. But on November 25, just minutes after the House announced it would meet on the topic of redistricting, the Senate announced it would reconvene December 8 to consider a proposed map from the House.

Kentucky – Groups Spent $9M Lobbying Kentucky Executive Branch Officials in Past Fiscal Year

Louisville Public Media – Joe Sonka | Published: 11/28/2025

Government contractors, health-related groups, and the medical marijuana industry were among hundreds of organizations that spent $9.1 million lobbying Kentucky’s executive branch agencies on policy in the fiscal year ending this summer. Kentucky has long required groups to report their spending on legislative lobbyists but first required reports on executive branch lobbying spending in 2020. This push for increased transparency followed the conviction of a former cabinet secretary and lobbyist for orchestrating a kickback scheme to steer large government contracts to clients.

Kentucky – KY Candidate Had a Fundraiser on His Own Church Campus. He Says There’s No Issue

MSN – Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) | Published: 11/24/2025

A fundraiser for Ryan Dotson, a candidate in Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District race, was held on the grounds of the church Dotson leads. It is not against any campaign finance law to host a fundraiser at a church. But the event at Lighthouse World Outreach Center, where Dotson is lead pastor, does raise questions about how the event was carried out, according to a federal campaign finance expert.

Massachusetts – Super PAC Illegally Coordinated with Diehl Campaign in 2022 Election, Regulators Say

WBUR – Chris Van Buskirk | Published: 11/20/2025

State campaign finance regulators found former Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Geoff Diehl and a super PAC that backed his campaign illegally coordinated during the 2022 election. Office of Campaign and Political Finance Director William Campbell said Diehl’s campaign and the super PAC, called Mass Freedom, hired the same media consultant. That created a presumption of coordination between the campaign and super PAC in violation of state law, according to Campbell.

Michigan – Conservative Activists Get Probation in Voter intimidation Case

MSN – Arpan Lobo (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 12/1/2025

Two conservative activists who previously pleaded no contest in connection to a robocall scheme to spread inaccurate information to mostly Black voters around Detroit, leading up to the 2020 election, will avoid jail time. Jacob Wohl and John Burkman were each sentenced to one year probation. Prosecutors said the men engaged in an effort that circulated robocalls to nearly 12,000 people in 2020. The robocalls made false claims about voting by mail, which was promoted that year as a way to avoid contracting COVID-19 during the pandemic.

Michigan – Issues Resolved in Hall Lions Ticket Complaint, Attorney Withdraws Request for Investigation

Yahoo News – Ben Solis (Michigan Advance) | Published: 12/3/2025

Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall’s troubles with a potential scandal over Detroit Lions tickets he received from a lobbying firm have been resolved, as the attorney who made a formal complaint rescinded his request for the state to investigate the matter. Bob LaBrant, the former general counsel for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, filed a complaint in reaction to news that Hal received tickets to a recent Lions home game from Bill Wort of Public Affairs Associates.

Mississippi – Supreme Court May Revive First Amendment Suit from Sidewalk Preacher Who Shouted at Concertgoers

MSN – John Fritze (CNN) | Published: 12/3/2025

Street preacher Gabriel Olivier wants to challenge an ordinance in federal court that was enacted by a Mississippi city that bars people from protesting outside an amphitheater. But before he can advance his lawsuit, he must deal with a 1994 Supreme Court precedent that is intended to bar people convicted of a crime from using civil lawsuits to effectively reverse their convictions. Olivier claimed the ordinance violates his First Amendment rights to share his faith publicly.

Missouri – Missouri Bill Targets ‘Misleading’ Automatic Donations Connected to Bill Eigel

Yahoo News – Rudi Keller (Missouri Independent) | Published: 12/2/2025

No Missouri politician should be able to extract recurring campaign donations the way that Bill Eigel is from a Nebraska veteran tapped 35 times this year for more than $1,000, a Republican lawmaker said. State Rep. Jim Murphy used the first day of pre-filing for the upcoming legislative session to introduce a bill to ban solicitations that include recurring donations. The bill also requires each solicitation to state “in a clear and conspicuous manner” the candidate or PAC that will use the money.

New Jersey – Appeals Court Rules Trump Prosecutor Appointment Violates Law

MSN – Perry Stein (Washington Post) | Published: 12/1/2025

A federal appeals court ruled President Trump unlawfully maneuvered to keep his former personal attorney, Alina Habba, as the top prosecutor in New Jersey, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for other controversial appointments that have been challenged in court. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled against the extraordinary steps the Justice Department deployed to bypass Senate confirmation and keep Habba in the top position.

New Jersey – NJ AG, Others Attack Bill That Would Combine State Watchdog Agencies

MSN – Mike Davis and Michael Diamond (Asbury Park Press) | Published: 11/27/2025

New Jersey, a state often synonymous with the corrupt antics of politicians at all levels, has too many government watchdogs keeping too many eyes trained on taxpayer dollars, according to one of its most powerful elected officials. It is a problem Senate President Nick Scutari hopes to fix. If signed into law, a new bill proposed by Scutari would essentially fold much of the Office of the State Comptroller’s responsibilities into the State Commission of Investigation, turning two watchdog agencies into one-and-a-half.

New Jersey – Progressive Topples Former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey in Jersey City Mayoral Runoff

MSN – Ry Rivard (Politico) | Published: 12/2/2025

James Solomon, a city council member elected with the support of anti-machine progressives, will be the next mayor of New Jersey’s second largest city. Solomon besting disgraced former Gov. Jim McGreevey in the runoff to lead Jersey City. McGreevey joins former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo as a politician who grasped for a second chance in public life that voters did not want to give them.

New York – NY Gov. Hochul Accepted – and Is Now Refunding – Thousands in Donations from Appointees

Gothamist – Jimmy Vielkind | Published: 11/29/2025

After a Democratic primary rival questioned some of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s fundraising methods, the governor’s campaign said it will return thousands of dollars she accepted from people she has appointed to state boards and councils. Public records show Hochul raised at least $72,500 from people who donated after she gave them positions steering state policy. Some of the people in question also contributed before their appointments, and some of the appointees were first put into their positions by Hochul’s predecessor, Andrew Cuomo.    

New York – City Investigators Haven’t Given Up on Probing Eric Adams’ Conduct, Judge’s Order Reveals

MSN – Greg Smith (The City) | Published: 12/3/2025

A court order revealed the Department of Investigation (DOI) has an ongoing investigation of whether New York City Mayor Eric Adams violated ethics laws, a probe that is proceeding even after the mayor got his corruption case tossed after the Trump Justice Department abandoned it. U.S. District Court Judge Dale Ho revealed the existence of DOI’s investigation in issuing an order that opens the door for DOI to use material from the defunct federal indictment in its continuing conflict-of-interest probe of the mayor.

New York – Co. That Won Big-Bucks ‘Panic Button’ Deal for NYC Schools Hired Firm of Adams Ally Frank Carone

Yahoo News – Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) | Published: 12/1/2025

Before getting a multimillion-dollar contract from Mayor Eric Adams’ administration to install “panic buttons” in New York City public schools, a company hired the lobbying and consulting firm operated by Frank Carone, the mayor’s ex-chief of staff. SOS Technologies hired Oaktree Solutions to do “strategic consulting” in connection with its effort to secure the contract. There is no record Oaktree employees engaged in direct lobbying of Adams administration officials prior to the award. In any event, Carone resigned as chief of staff in late 2022, so he is no longer covered by the one-year lobbying ban on former city officials.

Pennsylvania – The State Budget Was 135 Days Late, but Pa. Lawmakers Got Their Pay Raise on Schedule

MSN – Tirzah Christopher (PennLive) | Published: 12/2/2025

Pennsylvania lawmakers received a pay increase on December 1, raising their base salary to $113,575. Only New York and California’s legislators make more. The Pennsylvania Legislature’s increases also are automatic, which means they go into effect without a vote. The raises come after a more than four-month budget impasse, which forced some counties, school districts, and non-profits across the state to take drastic measures like reducing staff or taking out high-interest loans to keep operating.

Rhode Island – How to Win Elections and Influence the State House? The League of RI Businesses Has a Plan.

Rhode Island Current – Nancy Lavin | Published: 11/25/2025

When a group of gun rights advocates piled into Rhode Island House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s office to rail against a proposed assault-style weapons ban last spring, Shekarchi gave them some advice om how to influence lawmakers. David Levesque took the message to heart. He created a string of 40 PACs allowing The League of Rhode Island Businesses to circumvent the $2,000-per-candidate annual campaign donation limit set by state law. While not illegal, the move exposes The League and its financial beneficiaries to greater risk of reporting mistakes and violations.

Tennessee – Republican Wins Special Election in Trump Country, as Democrat Gains Ground

MSN – Dan Merica (Washington Post) | Published: 12/2/2025

Republicans retained a ruby-red congressional district, winning a special election in Tennessee that became more competitive than initially expected and prompted an aggressive closing scramble by GOP leaders on behalf of their nominee. The victory by Matt Van Epps, who aligned himself with President Trump, capped a contest that served as the latest test of voters’ attitudes about Trump’s agenda and Democrats’ response less than a year before the midterm elections. Van Epps defeated Aftyn Behn, a left-leaning state representative who frequently mentioned economic concerns on the campaign trail.

Ethics

California: “International Travel. Fancy Meals. Missing Receipts. Who Paid the Tab for This Top Official?” by Paige St. John (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

National: “The New York Times Sues the Pentagon Over Press Restrictions” by Scott Nover (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Trump Says He Will Pardon Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar” by Mariana Alfaro, Kadia Goba, and Marianna Sotomayor (Washington Post) for MSN

Mississippi: “Supreme Court May Revive First Amendment Suit from Sidewalk Preacher Who Shouted at Concertgoers” by John Fritze (CNN) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Pennsylvania: “The State Budget Was 135 Days Late, but Pa. Lawmakers Got Their Pay Raise on Schedule” by Tirzah Christopher (PennLive) for MSN

Lobbying

Michigan: “Issues Resolved in Hall Lions Ticket Complaint, Attorney Withdraws Request for Investigation” by Ben Solis (Michigan Advance) for Yahoo News

New York: “Co. That Won Big-Bucks ‘Panic Button’ Deal for NYC Schools Hired Firm of Adams Ally Frank Carone” by Chris Sommerfeldt (New York Daily News) for Yahoo News

Redistricting

Florida: “Florida Becomes the GOP’s Biggest Redistricting Test – and a Messy One” by Gary Fineout (Politico) for MSN

Senate President Louise Lucas has called a special election in state Senate District 15 following the resignation of Sen. Ghazala Hashmi who was elected to the Lt. Governor position. The special general election will be held on January 6, 2026.

---

Stay up to date with all state and federal lobbying law. Sign up for our online guidebooks and never miss a compliance law change.

In a world which often feels rushed and unpredictable, one constant source of strength and comfort is family. When I pause and reflect on the people who have shaped my life, supported my growth, and walked beside me through both challenges and celebrations, I cannot help but feel deeply grateful. My family is more than a group of individuals connected by blood or name—they are my foundation, my encouragement, and my greatest blessing.

I am thankful for the unconditional love that surrounds me. In moments when I falter or feel uncertain, my family reminds me that I am never alone. Their love creates a safe space where I can be myself without fear of judgment. It is in this space that I learn, heal, and grow.

I am thankful for the lessons they’ve taught me—lessons about kindness, responsibility, patience, and resilience. Whether through quiet guidance, shared stories, or leading by example, my family has given me the tools to navigate life with confidence and compassion.

I am thankful for the laughter we share. The simplest moments—inside jokes, shared meals, unexpected smiles—become treasured memories which brighten even the most difficult days. These moments remind me joy does not always come from big events, but from the everyday warmth of being together.

I am thankful for their support. My family celebrates my successes and stands by me in my struggles. They encourage me to pursue my goals, believe in my potential, and remind me of my worth when I forget it. Their presence strengthens my resolve and lifts my spirit.

Most of all, I am thankful for the sense of belonging my family provides. No matter where life takes me, I carry love with me—a steady reminder I am rooted in something strong, meaningful, and enduring.

As I reflect on everything my family brings into my life, gratitude fills my heart. I am truly thankful for each member of my family and for the countless ways they enrich my life every day.

“Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you I have been changed for good.”

With gratitude,

EB

@elizabethbartz

---

Want to keep up with all the newest happenings in lobbying, campaign finance, and procurement lobbying compliance? Sign up for our Compliance Now newsletter and never miss a beat – https://stateandfed.com/e-newsletter/

Campaign Finance

Missouri: “Missouri Bill Targets ‘Misleading’ Automatic Donations Connected to Bill Eigel” by Rudi Keller (Missouri Independent) for Yahoo News

New York: “NY Gov. Hochul Accepted – and Is Now Refunding – Thousands in Donations from Appointees” by Jimmy Vielkind for Gothamist

Elections

Tennessee: “Republican Wins Special Election in Trump Country, as Democrat Gains Ground” by Dan Merica (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

Illinois: “Former Inspector General Joe Ferguson Fined $5K for Revealing Botched Little Village Smokestack Implosion Could Have Been Prevented” by Heather Cherone for WTTW

National: “Former President of Honduras, Convicted of Trafficking, Freed after Trump Pardon” by Tobi Raji, Shayna Jacobs, and Samantha Schmidt (Washington Post) for MSN

New Jersey: “NJ AG, Others Attack Bill That Would Combine State Watchdog Agencies” by Mike Davis and Michael Diamond (Asbury Park Press) for MSN

Lobbying

Canada: “Ontario Will Require Skills Grant Applicants to Reveal If They Hired Lobbyists” by Moira Welsh for Toronto Star

Kentucky: “Groups Spent $9M Lobbying Kentucky Executive Branch Officials in Past Fiscal Year” by Joe Sonka for Louisville Public Media

The Virginia Ethics Council announced an increase of the annual gift limit from $108 to $131. The adjustment is based on the consumer price index and applies to gifts from lobbyists, lobbyist principals, and those having or seeking a contract with a state or local agency. This increase will apply retroactively to January 1 and will be the gift limit until 2030 when it will again be adjusted.

---

Invite them out for coffee or a steak? Make sure you know the gift restrictions of your state or municipality. Request a demo of our online guidebooks today.

Campaign Finance

National: “Fugees Rapper Pras Michel Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison Over Illegal Donations to Obama Campaign” by Michael Kunzelman (Associated Press) for MSN

Kentucky: “KY Candidate Had a Fundraiser on His Own Church Campus. He Says There’s No Issue” by Austin Horn (Lexington Herald-Leader) for MSN

National: “The Forgotten Court Case That Let Billionaires Spend Big on Elections” by Beth Reinhard (Washington Post) for MSN

Rhode Island: “How to Win Elections and Influence the State House? The League of RI Businesses Has a Plan.” by Nancy Lavin for Rhode Island Current

Elections

Georgia: “Georgia Case Against Trump Dropped, Ending Efforts to Punish President over 2020 Election Aftermath” by Kate Brumback (Associated Press) for MSN

Ethics

California: “DWP Employee Made Assistants Run Personal Errands, Buy Her Snoop Dogg Tickets, Ethics Enforcer Says” by Noah Goldberg (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

New Jersey: “Appeals Court Rules Trump Prosecutor Appointment Violates Law” by Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN

Redistricting

Indiana: “Indiana Republicans’ Proposed Map Breaks Indianapolis into 4 Districts” by Marissa Meador (Indianapolis Star) for MSN

The Utah Legislature anticipates convening in special session on December 9 for the purpose of election system clarity, according to a joint press release issued by the House and Senate. The announcement follows a trial court decision in an ongoing lawsuit on congressional district maps.

---

Monitor your registration thresholds by state, by referring to our easy to navigate online guidebooks. Request a web tour to learn more.