FEC Boosts Election Spending Caps to Match Skyrocketing Inflation
Published Date: 3/3/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting January 1, 2026, political parties and lobbyists will see their spending and reporting limits go up a bit to keep up with inflation. This means national and state party committees can spend more during elections, and lobbyists must report bigger bundles of contributions. These changes help keep campaign rules fair and current with the cost of living.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
House (Multi-District) Party Spending Limit Raised
National and state party committees (and their subordinate committees) may spend up to $65,300 in connection with a 2026 general election for a U.S. House seat in states with more than one congressional district (this also applies to the District of Columbia and specified territories). This adjusted limit takes effect January 1, 2026.
Senate and Single-District House Spending Limits
For 2026 general elections, the coordinated expenditure limit for House contests in states with only one congressional district is $130,600, effective January 1, 2026. The Commission also published state-by-state 2026 Senate limits (examples: California $4,071,800; Alabama $532,200; Texas $3,148,400), which are effective January 1, 2026.
Lobbyist Bundling Disclosure Threshold Increased
The disclosure threshold for contributions bundled by lobbyists/registrants for calendar year 2026 is increased to $24,000 (based on $15,000 multiplied by 1.59695 and rounded to the nearest $100). This adjusted threshold applies beginning January 1, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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