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Office of Campaign Finance warns Fair Elections fund could need millions more if many candidates reach caps
Summary
OCF told the council its conservative projection for the 2026 cycle assumed payouts could require $32.4M across fiscal years; with current budgeted allocations the office recommended adding at least $3–5M to the elections fund to avoid shortfalls if certification and cap attainment increase.
The Office of Campaign Finance reported to the committee that fair‑elections public financing costs will vary widely based on candidate certification and how many participants reach matching caps. Director Susley Montgomery said the office’s high‑end scenario—assuming broad certification and cap attainment—could require tens of millions of dollars across FY25–FY27, but that more likely scenarios put additional needs in a smaller range. "Our projections always assume candidates will be entitled to the entire base amount and also that they will reach the cap," Montgomery said.
OCF reported it has so far dispersed $5.38M to 18 certified candidates and that $6.62M remained in the Fair Elections fund. The office told councilmembers the FY26 approved budget placed $12M in the elections fund but recommended the committee consider adding $3–5M as a buffer for the 2026 cycle and any unscheduled special elections. Council members noted the March 10 and April 10 filing deadlines will provide better data and asked OCF to provide updated projections after those filings. OCF also discussed enforcement and collection challenges and possible mechanisms other jurisdictions use—such as candidate bonds—to protect the public fund from misuse or unrecoverable fines.
