Post-candidacy

When do I become a former candidate?

If you were a candidate for City office, when you become a "former candidate" depends on circumstances surrounding the election.

Do the City contribution limits apply once I become a former candidate?

Yes, if your candidate committee has outstanding debts as a result of the campaign. In addition, the limits apply to money raised to pay for transition & inauguration to office. For more information about Transition & Inauguration Committees click here.

Example: In April 2021, Baggins gives Friends of Took $2,000. Took loses in the May primary election. In July of 2021, Baggins offers to make another contribution. As of July, Took's candidate committee is carrying debt from the campaign. Under these circumstances, for the remainder of 2021, Baggins may give Took a total of $1,100. ($3,100 contribution limit – $2,000 previous donation = $1,100 remaining possible donations).

Do I have to keep filing campaign finance reports once I am a former candidate?

Yes, if your campaign committee:

has outstanding debts from a prior City election;
raised money to pay off debts from a prior City election; OR
spent money to pay off debts from a prior City election.

In addition, you would need to file for any Transition & Inauguration Fund or Litigation Fund Committee. For more information about filing campaign finance reports, click here.

Are there restrictions on paying off campaign debt?

Yes. All payments to retire (pay off) campaign debt must be made by your candidate committee. You cannot pay campaign debt out of a special use committee or out of your personal bank account.

What if someone forgives a debt?

Forgiveness of debt is an in-kind contribution and is subject to the contribution limits.

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