Council trims FY26 public campaign financing allocation amid budget concerns

On June 9 the Anne Arundel County Council voted to reduce the county executive’s proposed FY26 contribution to the public campaign financing system by $1,250,000.

Budget officer Chris Trumbauer advised the council the administration opposed the cut and noted the county code requires the controller to certify available funding on July 1 before the primary and that the committee that designed the program recommended the larger amount. Trumbauer said past fiscal analysis estimated a full election cycle could require $2 million to $3 million in matching funds.

Supporters of the reduction said economic uncertainty and the possibility of low uptake this cycle justified a smaller FY26 allocation; they said the council could revisit funding in the next budget cycle or pursue code changes to allow additional funding later. Opponents warned that cutting the allocation now could leave candidates who choose the public-financing option without sufficient funds for the primary and said the reduction would undermine the recently created public-financing program.

The amendment was adopted by the council; the final tally reported four votes in favor, two opposed and one abstention. The council acted as the county’s final fiscal authority; the administration said the controller will still be required to certify fund availability on July 1 under current code.