A State-by-State Guide to Campaign Finance Requirements
As the political landscape in the United States continues to grow and evolve, candidates at every level — from local offices to state legislatures — must navigate the intricate web of campaign finance laws. These regulations are designed to ensure transparency, prevent corruption, and maintain a fair playing field in the electoral process.
For candidates, understanding and complying with these rules is crucial to running a successful campaign. Read on for an overview of campaign finance and a state-by-state breakdown of specific rules and requirements for each state.
What Is Campaign Finance, and Why Is Compliance Important?
Campaign finance encompasses all funds raised and spent to promote candidates, political parties, or policies in elections. It includes all money raised by donors and spent on campaign activities like political advertising and voter outreach. The regulations surrounding these finances are put into place in an effort to prevent undue influence by wealthy individuals or entities, promote transparency, and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
It’s important for all candidates (and especially for independent candidates) to learn the laws and regulations in their state so that they can remain viable and competitive in their individual races. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, including fines, disqualification from running for office, or even criminal charges.
Common Terms and Types of Campaign Finance Requirements
As with many financial and legal activities, there’s some terminology that’s important to understand regarding campaign funding. Knowing what these terms mean and how they relate to campaign finance regulations will help to ensure that you can run a clean, compliant, and transparent campaign.
Contribution: Any deposit, donation, gift, loan, or other item of value given to a campaign or candidate. This includes in-kind contributions of favors, goods, or services.
Contribution Limits: Caps on the amount of money individuals, organizations, and political action committees (PACs) can contribute to a campaign.
Disclosure Requirements: Mandates for reporting contributions and expenditures, including the source of funds and the identity of donors.
Expenditure: Any disbursement of funds, cash advance, donations, payments, or other expense paid by a candidate or campaign. This includes loan payments, gifts, and transfers of money or items of value.
Public Financing: The availability of government funds to support campaigns under certain conditions. For example, New York City has a matching funds program to help candidates finance their campaigns. Other states have created clean election programs to fully fund candidates running in state races.
Prohibitions on Contributions: Bans on contributions from certain sources, such as corporations or foreign nationals.
Spending Limits: Restrictions on how much campaigns can spend.
Timely Filing Deadlines: Specific dates by which financial reports must be submitted. Each state has its own deadlines and filing requirements.
Use of Funds: Regulations on how campaign funds can be used.
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Clean Election States
In an effort to ensure more transparency and make it easier for candidates to run for office, some states have created clean election programs through Clean Elections Act legislation. These initiatives provide full funding to candidates for any election within the state. The purpose is to minimize outside influence and improve transparency.
For example, an independent candidate for a state legislative office in Arizona can receive up to $37,053 in campaign funding through that state’s Clean Election Act. The only requirement is a small fee that’s raised from verifiable campaign donors in order to show the seriousness of the campaign and demonstrate nominal support for the candidate. Once this requirement is met, the campaign will be fully funded up to a set amount.
The five clean election states are:
Arizona
Connecticut
Maine
New Mexico
Vermont
Other states provide candidates with matching funds in exchange for limiting contributions from donors. These are:
Florida
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
West Virginia
Your State-by-State Guide to Campaign Finance Requirements
Although there are federal regulations regarding campaign finance for the national offices of the presidency and U.S. Congress, each state is in charge of campaign finance oversight and compliance laws for state and local elections. These regulations include information about donations from individuals and political organizations, as well as reporting requirements and disclosures.
However, in cases where there is an overlap, Federal Election laws take precedence over state laws. This includes laws regarding donations from foreign nationals and financing obtained from national banks.
Below is a state-by-state overview of specific campaign finance laws. Contact links to the relevant individual state election offices are included, so you can check the latest campaign finance news and information in your location.
Notes:
Unless otherwise indicated, contribution limits from PACs, corporations, unions, and other entities are the same as those for individual donors.
Limits listed for gubernatorial candidates are the same as limits for campaigns for State Supreme Court justices and state attorneys general. Amounts listed for legislative candidates also include district judges, local district attorneys, and other offices not considered state-wide executive or judicial offices.
Alabama
Contribution Limits: No limits on contributions to candidates, except for those made by Super PACs.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file monthly reports during election years, and must file annual reports otherwise.
Unique Requirements: Campaign committees must file a Statement of Organization within 10 days of receiving contributions or making expenditures.
Where to Learn More: Alabama Secretary of State
Alaska
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute an unlimited amount to candidates, and in-state entities can contribute up to $1,000 per candidate per year.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file periodic reports, including a 30-day pre-election and a 7-day pre-election report.
Unique Requirements: Groups and entities located outside of Alaska and corporate donors are prohibited from contributing to campaigns.
Where to Learn More: Alaska Public Offices Commission
Arizona
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $5,400 to state candidates and $6,650 to local campaigns per election cycle.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election reports.
Unique Requirements: Candidates must maintain a separate campaign account. Corporate and union donations are prohibited. Arizona is a clean election state.
Where to Learn More: Arizona State Legislature
Arkansas
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $2,900 per candidate per election cycle.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports, with additional reports required before and after elections.
Unique Requirements: Anonymous contributions over $50 are prohibited. Corporate and union donations are prohibited.
Where to Learn More: Arkansas Secretary of State
California
Contribution Limits: Limits vary by office, ranging from $5,500 for state legislative candidates to $36,400 for gubernatorial candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file semi-annual reports, pre-election reports, and 24-hour contribution reports.
Unique Requirements: Strict limits on contributions from lobbyists.
Where to Learn More: California Fair Political Practices Commission
Colorado
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $625 for gubernatorial candidates and up to $1,250 to state legislative candidates per election cycle.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file regularly scheduled reports, including pre-election and post-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Limits on contributions from PACs and political parties. Corporate and union donations are prohibited.
Where to Learn More: Colorado Secretary of State
Connecticut
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute between $250 - $3,500, depending on the candidate.
Reporting Requirements: Quarterly reports, with additional pre- and post-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Corporate and union donations are prohibited. Connecticut is a clean election state.
Where to Learn More: Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission
Delaware
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $1,200 to gubernatorial candidates and $600 to candidates in other state or local races.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and additional pre-election reports.
Unique Requirements: Limits are per election cycle.
Where to Learn More: Delaware Department of Elections
Florida
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $1,000 per candidate per election for state legislature or $3,000 for gubernatorial candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file monthly reports, with additional reports due 60, 25, and four days before an election.
Unique Requirements: There are no limits on loans made by candidates to their own campaigns Florida is a campaign matching funds state.
Where to Learn More: Florida Division of Elections
Georgia
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $3,000 per election cycle for state legislative candidates and $7,600 for statewide office candidates. However, candidates are limited to a total of $8,400 from all contributors per primary or general election.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file monthly reports, with additional pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of in-kind contributions is required. Super PACs are prohibited from donating to candidates, campaigns, PACs, and ballot initiatives.
Where to Learn More: Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission
Hawaii
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $2,000 per election cycle for state legislative candidates and $6,000 for gubernatorial candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Semi-annual reports and pre-election reports are required.
Unique Requirements: Ban on contributions from government contractors.
Where to Learn More: Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission
Idaho
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $1,000 per election cycle to legislative campaigns and $5,000 to gubernatorial candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Annual reports and pre-election filings are required.
Unique Requirements: No contribution limits for local elections.
Where to Learn More: Idaho Secretary of State
Illinois
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $6,900 per candidate.
Reporting Requirements: Quarterly reports and pre-election filings are required.
Unique Requirements: Public financing is available for some offices. PACs are limited to $68,500 in donations per election cycle; corporations and unions are capped at $13,700.
Where to Learn More: Illinois State Board of Elections
Indiana
Contribution Limits: No limits on individual contributions to candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Annual reports and pre-election filings are required.
Unique Requirements: Detailed itemization of expenditures required. Unions and corporations are limited to $5,000 per election cycle to gubernatorial candidates and $2,000 to all others.
Where to Learn More: Indiana Secretary of State
Iowa
Contribution Limits: No limits on contributions to candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Regularly scheduled reports, with additional pre-election filings, are required.
Unique Requirements: Restrictions on corporate contributions.
Where to Learn More: Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board
Kansas
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $2,100 per candidate.
Reporting Requirements: Quarterly reports and pre-election filings are required.
Unique Requirements: Kansas has placed prohibitions on contributions during legislative sessions. Corporations and unions are prohibited from donating to campaigns.
Where to Learn More: Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission
Kentucky
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $2,100 per election cycle.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Ban on contributions from state contractors.
Where to Learn More: Kentucky Registry of Election Finance
Louisiana
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute from $1,000 - $5,000 per election cycle.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file monthly reports, with additional pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of loans is required.
Where to Learn More: Louisiana Board of Ethics
Maine
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $475 per election cycle for state legislative candidates and $1,950 for gubernatorial candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Quarterly reports and pre-election filings are required.
Unique Requirements: Corporate and union donations are prohibited. Cap of $25,000 per year to all candidates. Maine is a clean election state.
Where to Learn More: Maine Ethics Commission
Maryland
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $6,000 per election cycle.
Reporting Requirements: Semi-annual reports and pre-election filings are required.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of contributions from businesses is required. Maryland is a campaign matching funds state.
Where to Learn More: Maryland State Board of Elections
Massachusetts
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $1,000 per election cycle.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file bi-annual reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Lobbyist contributions are limited to $200 per candidate. Corporate and union donations are prohibited. Massachusetts is a campaign matching funds state.
Where to Learn More: Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance
Michigan
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $1,225 per election cycle for state legislative candidates and $8,325 for gubernatorial candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of late contributions is required. Corporate and union donations are prohibited. Michigan is a campaign matching funds state.
Where to Learn More: Michigan Secretary of State
Minnesota
Contribution Limits: Contribution limits vary and depend on the office and election period.
Reporting Requirements: Monthly reports, with additional pre-election filings, are required.
Unique Requirements: Public financing is available through political contribution refund. There is a prohibition on corporate donations. Minnesota is a campaign matching funds state.
Where to Learn More: Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board
Mississippi
Contribution Limits: No limits on contributions to candidates, except for judges.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file monthly reports, with additional pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of loans is required.
Where to Learn More: Mississippi Secretary of State
Missouri
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $2,000 - $2,825 per election cycle, depending on the candidate.
Reporting Requirements: Quarterly reports and pre-election filings are required.
Unique Requirements: Missouri has placed prohibitions on corporate and union contributions.
Where to Learn More: Missouri Ethics Commission
Montana
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $400 - $1,000 per election, depending on the candidate.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of loans is required. Corporate and union donations are prohibited.
Where to Learn More: Montana Commissioner of Political Practices
Nebraska
Contribution Limits: No limits on contributions to candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Quarterly reports and pre-election filings are required.
Unique Requirements: Ban on contributions from government contractors.
Where to Learn More: Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission
Nevada
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $5,000 per candidate, per election cycle.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of in-kind contributions is required.
Where to Learn More: Nevada Secretary of State
New Hampshire
Contribution Limits: No limits on contributions to candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Monthly reports, with additional pre-election filings, are required.
Unique Requirements: Ban on corporate contributions.
Where to Learn More: New Hampshire Secretary of State
New Jersey
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $2,600 per election cycle for state legislative candidates and $4,900 for gubernatorial candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Quarterly reports and pre-election filings are required.
Unique Requirements: Public financing is available for gubernatorial candidates.
Where to Learn More: New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission
New Mexico
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $2,500 per election cycle.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of loans is required. New Mexico is a clean election state.
Where to Learn More: New Mexico Secretary of State
New York
Contribution Limits: Limits are based on individual and family donations.
Reporting Requirements: Semi-annual reports and pre-election filings are required.
Unique Requirements: New York has placed strict limits on contributions from LLCs, and annual donations by corporations are limited to $5000.
Where to Learn More: New York State Board of Elections
North Carolina
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $6,400 per candidate, per election cycle.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of in-kind contributions is required. Corporate and union donations are prohibited.
Where to Learn More: North Carolina State Board of Elections
North Dakota
Contribution Limits: No limits on contributions to candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of loans is required.
Where to Learn More: North Dakota Secretary of State
Ohio
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $15,499.69 per candidate, per election cycle.
Reporting Requirements: Quarterly reports and pre-election filings are required.
Unique Requirements: Ban on contributions from foreign nationals, unions, and corporations.
Where to Learn More: Ohio Secretary of State
Oklahoma
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $3,300 per candidate.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of loans is required. Corporate and union donations are prohibited.
Where to Learn More: Oklahoma Ethics Commission
Oregon
Contribution Limits: No limits on contributions to candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of in-kind contributions is required.
Where to Learn More: Oregon Secretary of State
Pennsylvania
Contribution Limits: No limits on contributions to candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of loans is required.
Where to Learn More: Pennsylvania Department of State
Rhode Island
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $1,000 per candidate.
Reporting Requirements: Quarterly reports and pre-election filings are required.
Unique Requirements: Public financing available is for some offices. Corporate and union donations are prohibited.
Where to Learn More: Rhode Island Board of Elections
South Carolina
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $1,000 per election cycle for state legislative candidates and $3,500 for gubernatorial candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of loans is required.
Where to Learn More: South Carolina State Ethics Commission
South Dakota
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $1,800 per election cycle for either chamber of the state legislature and $4,900 for gubernatorial candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of in-kind contributions is required.
Where to Learn More: South Dakota Secretary of State
Tennessee
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $1,800 per election cycle for state legislative candidates and $4,900 for gubernatorial candidates. There are also aggregate limits per office: $477,300 for gubernatorial candidates, $76,300 for State Senate, and $38,300 for House candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Ban on contributions from state contractors. Unions need to register as PACs. PACs and corporate donors are subject to limits ranging from $9,400 - $28,800, depending on the office.
Where to Learn More: Tennessee Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance
Texas
Contribution Limits: No limits on contributions to candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file semi-annual reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of loans is required.
Where to Learn More: Texas Ethics Commission
Utah
Contribution Limits: No limits on contributions to candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of in-kind contributions is required.
Where to Learn More: Utah Lieutenant Governor's Office
Vermont
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $1,040 per election cycle for state legislative candidates and $4,160 for gubernatorial candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of loans is required. Vermont is a clean election state.
Where to Learn More: Vermont Secretary of State
Virginia
Contribution Limits: No limits on contributions to candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file semi-annual reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of in-kind contributions is required.
Where to Learn More: Virginia Department of Elections
Washington
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $1,200 per election cycle for legislative candidates and $2,400 per election cycle for candidates for governor.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file monthly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of loans is required. There are aggregate limits per district.
Where to Learn More: Washington Public Disclosure Commission
West Virginia
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $1,200 for legislative candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of loans is required. West Virginia is a campaign matching funds state.
Where to Learn More: West Virginia Secretary of State
Wisconsin
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $1,000 for state assembly candidates, $2,000 per election cycle for state legislative candidates, and $20,000 for gubernatorial candidates.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of in-kind contributions is required. Corporate and union donors are prohibited.
Where to Learn More: Wisconsin Ethics Commission
Wyoming
Contribution Limits: Individuals can contribute up to $2,500 per election cycle for gubernatorial candidates and $1,500 for legislative hopefuls.
Reporting Requirements: Candidates must file quarterly reports and pre-election filings.
Unique Requirements: Detailed reporting of loans is required. Corporate and union donations are prohibited.
Where to Learn More: Wyoming Secretary of State
Final Thoughts
Campaign finance requirements vary widely from state to state, creating a complex landscape for candidates to navigate. Understanding these requirements is crucial to running a compliant, transparent, and successful campaign.
It’s important to frequently consult your state’s election authorities to ensure you’re completely up-to-date with the latest regulations and requirements.
If you’re looking for additional support for your political campaign, book a demo of GoodParty.org’s free campaign tools. These tools are valuable resources to help you manage and comply with campaign finance requirements.
With help from the right tools, you can focus on your campaign while ensuring that you stay within all legal requirements. By staying informed and compliant, you’ll also contribute to a healthier democratic process!
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Frequently Asked Questions
