On February 10th, the Brennan Center submitted a comment to the Federal Election Commission concerning candidate salaries and benefits. The current regulations only allow candidates to pay themselves the lower of two options with campaign funds: the salary of the office sought by the candidate or the candidate’s prior salary before running for office. This disadvantages candidates who previously worked lower paying jobs or part time, or needed to forego paid work altogether, often to care for others. These individuals are disproportionately women, people of color, LGBTQ+, and/or working class. The Brennan Center’s comment urges the Commission to adopt new rules for candidate salaries and benefits that make running for office more accessible.
Statement
Comment to FEC: Adopt more equitable rules for candidate salaries and benefits.
The Brennan Center urged the Commission to update its rules governing candidate salaries and related compensation to make it easier for people from all walks of life to run for and win office.
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