On March 27, 2023, the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission (the “Commission”), formerly known as the State Ethics Commission – and likely to be renamed the State Ethics Commission yet again per legislation that passed early this year and awaits Governor Kemp’s signature – voted to increase the contribution limits that may be given to state and local candidates in future Georgia elections.
For the upcoming elections in 2024 and 2026, the contribution limits for individuals and corporations giving to statewide candidates will be $8,400, up from $7,600. That amount may be given in both the primary and general elections for a total of $16,800. The amounts that may be given in a runoff election have also increased to $4,800 from $4,500. In total, a statewide candidate could receive up to $26,400 from any single contributor, compared to $24,200 before.
The amounts that may be given to candidates for the General Assembly and other local elections also have increased: from previously $3,000 in the primary and general elections to $3,300 and, for runoffs, up from $1,600 to now $1,800. Some local elections take place later this year, and those candidates will be the first able to avail themselves of these increases.
The Commission has the authority to increase these amounts under O.C.G.A. § 21-5-41(k), which gives the Commission authority to raise (or lower) contributions limits depending on inflation. The last such increase occurred on September 30, 2021.
As of April 24, 2023, the Commission had not yet updated its website to reflect the new limits, but they will be published here (currently reflecting the limits as increased on September 30, 2021).
The attorneys at Chilivis Grubman represent clients of all types and sizes in connection with campaign finance and election law. If you need assistance with such a matter, please contact us today.