Thompson v. Hebdon

This case asks whether the trial evidence was enough to justify Alaska's $500 yearly limits on donations from individuals to candidates and certain political groups. The Supreme Court previously vacated the Ninth Circuit's earlier decision upholding those limits and sent the case back for another look under the Court's campaign-finance precedents.

The case has not been scheduled for oral argument. The central fight is whether the evidence showed Alaska's very low limits are closely drawn to prevent quid pro quo corruption (trading official action for money) or its appearance.

The case could affect how much Alaskans may give to support a favored candidate or election-focused group. For example, a voter who wants to give more than $500 in a year to a state candidate is directly affected by the limit.

Watch for oral argument or another scheduling move from the Court. No decision window is available yet.

The Court is being asked whether Alaska proved its $500 contribution caps are justified by an anti-corruption interest. The focus is on whether the trial record was strong enough.

Alaska voters, candidates, and election-focused groups could all be affected. A donor who wants to give more than $500 to one candidate would face the limit directly.

The next major step is oral argument or another scheduling order. Right now, no argument date or decision timetable is available.