Why outside groups are forming their own super PACs

Primary season for the 2026 midterm elections is underway. And the money from super PACs is already flowing. But how well is it working? On today’s show, Kimberly talks with democratic strategist Tim Lim about how spending from outside groups is shaping this year’s races so far and why strategists are waiting on the outcome of an under-the-radar Supreme Court case that could loosen the rules on how parties can coordinate with candidates.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

• "MAGA Inc.’s $300 Million War Chest Waits for Go-Ahead From Trump" from Bloomberg
• "Super PAC spending passes $200M, with some groups hiding their cause" from The Washington Post
• "Big-spending Democratic PACs see mixed results in Illinois" from Semafor
• "This Supreme Court decision could upend millions in political spending ahead of the midterms. Here’s how the parties are preparing." from Politico
• "Pivotal U.S. Supreme Court Case Could Further Reshape Federal Campaign Finance Law" from Bernstein Shur

Got a question about the Iran war and its impact on the global economy? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.