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Campaign finance laws regulate the amounts and sources of money given or received for political purposes and stipulate disclosure requirements for political contributions and expenditures. In Texas, campaign finance requirements govern how much money candidates may receive from individuals and organizations, how much and how often they must report those contributions, and how much individuals, organizations and political parties may contribute to campaigns.

The Texas Ethics Commission is responsible for interpreting Title 15 of the Election Code which sets out the Texas campaign finance law. The commission provides a Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders Who File With Local Filing Authorities.

We hope this helps you through your filing process!

Here are Five things to keep in mind when running for public office in Texas to comply with campaign finance laws:

  1. Adhere to the state’s campaign finance laws which regulate the amounts and sources of money given or received for political purposes; in addition, campaign finance laws stipulate disclosure requirements for political contributions and expenditures.

  2. Candidates for statewide office, the state legislature, State Board of Education, or district attorney must file campaign finance reports with the Texas Ethics Commission.

  3. File a campaign treasurer appointment form with the proper filing authority before accepting a campaign contribution or making or authorizing a campaign expenditure.

  4. Report any sizable contribution if the money was given with the intent to be used in connection with the campaign.

  5. Personal spending is allowed but must be reported as a political contribution.