What is the question presented in Thompson v. Hebdon?

Whether the evidence at trial was sufficient to show that Alaska’s $500 individual-to-candidate and individual-to-group contribution limits are closely drawn to further Alaska’s important interest in preventing quid pro quo corruption or its appearance.

What is Thompson v. Hebdon about?

This case challenged Alaska’s very low campaign contribution limits, which restrict how much individuals can give each year to candidates and certain political groups. The Supreme Court vacated the Ninth Circuit’s decision upholding those limits and sent the case back for reconsideration under the Court’s First Amendment campaign-finance precedents.

When did the Supreme Court decide Thompson v. Hebdon?

The Supreme Court decided Thompson v. Hebdon on November 25, 2019.

No. 19-122October Term 2019Decided Nov 25, 2019Updated Nov 25, 2019

Docket 19-122October Term 2019 (2019–2020)

Thompson v. Hebdon

This case challenged Alaska’s very low campaign contribution limits, which restrict how much individuals can give each year to candidates and certain political groups.

Case status

Decided 9-0 · November 25, 2019

Majority

Read the opinion (PDF)

Current stage: Decided
Latest event: Decision released Nov 25, 2019

Case Accepted

Arguments

Decision ReleasedNov 25, 2019

What it's about: This case challenged Alaska’s very low campaign contribution limits, which restrict how much individuals can give each year to candidates and certain political groups. The Supreme Court vacated the Ninth Circuit’s decision upholding those limits and sent the case back for reconsideration under the Court’s First Amendment campaign-finance precedents.
Question presented
Whether the evidence at trial was sufficient to show that Alaska’s $500 individual-to-candidate and individual-to-group contribution limits are closely drawn to further Alaska’s important interest in preventing quid pro quo corruption or its appearance.
Case path: United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit / Decision released Nov 25, 2019
Area: First Amendment

Timing

Decided November 25, 2019

The Court released its decision on November 25, 2019 without hearing oral argument.

Argument and decision days

Documents

Activity

Docket activity3

Opinion added: Opinion
Nov 25, 2019 | Court records
Brief added: Petition
Jul 22, 2019 | Court records
Court Order added: Lower Court Orders/Opinions
May 2, 2019 | Court records

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View the full docket

Grounding

Grounding: Primary-source trail available.
Note: Plain-English explainer. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.
Checked: Jul 25, 2026
Method: Methodology

Primary materials6