The Supreme Court has once again sided with the Trump administration in a dispute over federal regulations governing political advertising rates, a decision that could influence campaign spending ahead of the November midterm elections. On October 8, the justices temporarily blocked a lower court order that had required the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promptly rule on complaints from Democratic candidates concerning the agency’s new policy on broadcast ad rates.

The conflict centers on the FCC’s interpretation of a federal law mandating that states provide legally qualified candidates with the lowest advertising rates for radio and television spots related to their campaigns. In March, the FCC expanded this provision to include ads run by political parties in coordination with candidates, not only those paid for directly by the candidates themselves. This policy shift drew criticism from four Democratic candidates, including Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia, who argued that the agency was overstepping its authority.

The Richmond-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 decision on October 7, accused the FCC of engaging in “gamesmanship” by delaying action on the Democratic objections. The appeals court expressed concerns that the FCC was postponing its decision intentionally to prevent judicial review before the elections. It ordered the FCC to issue a ruling within two days. However, the Supreme Court intervened, pausing the appeals court’s directive at the Trump administration’s request and allowing the agency more time to complete its review.

This marks the second time the Supreme Court has sided with Republicans in this matter. In September, the justices ruled that the appeals court could not preemptively block the FCC’s policy change while the agency conducted an internal review of the Democrats’ complaints.

Republicans, who are working to maintain their majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate amid concerns about a potential “blue wave,” are expected to benefit from the FCC’s policy and the Supreme Court’s intervention. GOP political committees have raised significantly more funds than their Democratic counterparts, and the revised advertising rate rules could help the Republican Party leverage greater advertising reach in key battleground races.

The Justice Department defended the FCC’s pace, stating that the agency continues to collect public comments and that it is “entirely reasonable” to delay finalizing campaign-finance rules during an active campaign season. The Supreme Court has asked Democrats to respond to the administration’s appeal by October 10, leaving the issue unresolved just weeks before the elections.