Campaign Contribution Limits

Fair Political Practice Commission Contribution Limits: City and County Candidates

Assembly Bill 571 (Stats. 2019, Ch. 556, AB 571 Mullin), effective January 1, 2021, applies a default campaign contribution limit to city and county candidates when the city or county has not already enacted a contribution limit. Along with the new campaign contribution limit, there are other related provisions that formerly applied only to state level candidates that will now apply to city and county candidates.

Who Do These Rules Apply to?

The new provisions set forth by AB 571 only apply to city and county candidates when the city or county has not already enacted a contribution limit on such candidates. Below are some examples of city and county candidates:

  • City Attorney
  • City Council Members
  • County Board of Supervisors
  • County Superintendent of Schools

There are many candidates who are not covered by AB 571 such as judicial candidates, school board candidates, and county central committee candidates.

What Are the Campaign Contribution Limits?

The chart below shows the current limits per contributor, per election, for city and county candidates in cities and counties that have not enacted campaign contribution limits. The primary, general, special, and special run-off elections are considered separate elections. Contribution limits to candidates apply to each election. Contribution limits to officeholders and other committees apply on a calendar year basis.

2023-2024 Contribution Limits for City and County Candidates in Cities and Counties That Have Not Enacted Limits

  • Person (individual, business entity, committee/PAC) - $5,500
  • Small Contributor Committee - $5,500
  • Political Party - $5,500

Key Provisions & Requirements

The information below contains the key provisions and requirements city and county candidates in jurisdictions that have not enacted campaign contribution limits are subject to under AB 571.

Prohibitions – Applicable to the City of South San Francisco

Listed below are some prohibitions city and county candidates in jurisdictions that have not enacted campaign contribution limits are subject to under AB 571.

  • A candidate may not make a contribution over the $5,500 limit to another candidate in jurisdictions subject to the default state contribution limit, with limited exceptions related to recall elections, legal defense funds, and candidate controlled ballot measure committees.
  • Candidates may not personally loan to a candidate's campaign an amount for which the outstanding balance exceeds $100,000. A candidate may not charge interest on any such loan the candidate made to the candidate's campaign.
  • Officeholder committees are not permitted for city and county candidates subject to the $5,500 default state contribution limit.

Visit the FPPC website for more information.

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