U.S. District Court Judge D. Brock Hornby ruled in favor of four supporters of independent gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler who sued the state of Maine, alleging minor parties are at a disadvantage under sections 1015(1) and 1015(2) of Chapter 21-A of the Maine Revised Statutes. These provisions of law impose a per election limit of $1,500 per individual or entity.

Hornby granted a preliminary injunction, reasoning the per election limit unconstitutionally applied to supporters of Cutler. This ruling effectively allows supporters of Cutler to increase their contributions to $3,000 during the upcoming general election.

Whether the ruling will be appealed by the state is unclear.