Super PACs in the Empire State and in the Big Apple are about to become more “super.” On April 24th, a New York federal court finally (albeit begrudgingly) struck down a state law that effectively capped contributions to state Super PACs at no more than $150,000. Prior to today’s ruling, New York had been one of a few holdout states refusing to recognize the application of Citizens United to state laws limiting contributions to independent political groups. Indeed, the New York Attorney General defended the limit even after the Second Circuit concluded that it was likely unconstitutional as applied to the Super PAC that challenged it. It is not clear whether the state will appeal the decision and face a near-certain loss. If the decision stands—as we expect it will—donors may now contribute unlimited sums to independent political committees that run ads for or against New York state or city candidates.
