Campaign Finance Basics

The City's Campaign Finance Law applies to:

• candidates for City elective office;

• those who contribute to candidates for City elective office; and

• political committees or others that make expenditures to influence a City election.

• Mayor

• Councilmember (District & At-Large)

• Controller

• City Commissioner

• District Attorney

• Sheriff

Special rules regarding use of political committees by candidates

Generally speaking, candidates for City elective office must use a single checking account and political committee for all contributions received and all expenditures made for their campaign. Unless specifically permitted by Board Regulation No. 1, a campaign shall not make any expenditure related to a covered election through any other person or vendor.

A candidate may establish a special committee to raise and spend money for the defense of litigation arising directly from their campaign. If a candidate wishes to raise and spend money for inauguration or transition to City office, they must set up a separate Transition and Inauguration Committee. Click here for more information about the use of political committees.