Supreme Court hands Trump midterm win in TV ad cash fight… as two liberal justices refuse to go along

The Supreme Court ruled 7-2 for Republicans in a dispute over discounted political advertising, lifting a lower court’s 48-hour deadline for federal regulators to decide a Democratic challenge. The ruling matters because the Federal Communications Commission can continue reviewing its policy, which extends the lowest advertising rates to political parties and joint fundraising committees.

The FCC announced the change in March, and Democrats argue it conflicts with federal election law. The policy is seen as benefiting Republicans because their party committees have more money available, while Democrats have been stronger at raising funds directly for candidates. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented; the court said the FCC must consider the challenge but need not meet a particular deadline.