Michael Toner Joins Amicus Brief in SCOTUS Case with Far-Reaching Implications for Campaign Finance and Government Ethics

August 19, 2025

Michael E. Toner, chair of Wiley’s Election Law & Government Ethics Practice and former Federal Election Commission (FEC) Chairman, has joined a group of former FEC Commissioners as an amicus in a brief submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the petitioner in P.G. Sittenfeld v. United States. The brief urges the Court to overturn a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit that upheld a public corruption conviction with significant implications for government ethics and campaign finance law.

The August 14 brief argues that the Sixth Circuit’s decision improperly expands the scope of federal bribery law by conflating lawful political conduct and illegal activity. The amici warn that the ruling threatens to criminalize routine interactions between political candidates and their supporters, which are essential to maintaining a democratic system.

Toner previously served as a Commissioner of the FEC from 2002-2007, including as Chairman in 2006. His participation reflects his extensive experience and leadership in election law and government ethics.

To learn more, read the brief here and watch Wiley’s video on the case here.