Lost Re-Election? How to Close Your Office and Your Campaign
If you lost re-election, you’re closing two operations at once: an official office paid for by taxpayers and a campaign paid for by donors. They follow different rules, and mixing them in the last weeks is how departing officials get into trouble.
This guide is for Democrats who lost seats in 2026, from city councils to Congress. Federal and Arizona rules are flagged where they differ.
Keep the Two Shutdowns Separate
Official resources pay for winding down the official office. Campaign money pays for winding down the campaign. Neither pays for the other.
In Arizona, public resources can’t be used to influence elections at any level, under laws covering the state, cities and school districts. Members of Congress face the same line under House and Senate ethics rules.
Take Care of Your Staff
Your official staff’s jobs end when your term does. Tell them early, write references and introduce them to other Democratic offices that are hiring.
Some may be able to stay on with your successor. Help them make that call, even if your successor is a Republican.
Finish or Hand Off Casework
Decide quickly which constituent cases your office can close before your term ends and which have to go to your successor, the Congressional Research Service notes.
Ask constituents before handing their files to the new office, and give every open case a name and number to call after you’re gone.
Your Records
In Congress, the files your office generates are treated as your personal property, and the House pays to ship them. Many members donate their papers to a university or archive.
State and local offices work differently. Official records belong to your government under public records law, so follow its retention rules and don’t take or delete them.
Wind Down the Campaign
File your final reports, pay your bills and decide whether to keep the committee open. Our guides on how to pay off campaign debt and whether to keep your campaign committee open cover both.
Your Next Job and the Revolving-Door Rules
If you lost re-election and want to lobby, check the waiting periods first. Under A.R.S. § 41-1233, former Arizona legislators can’t lobby the legislature for pay for one year after leaving.
Former members of Congress face federal limits too: one year for former House members and two years for former senators before lobbying Congress.
Decide Later About Running Again
Give yourself time before deciding about a comeback. Our guide on whether to run again after losing walks through the decision.
Sutton & Smart works with Democrats on comeback campaigns. Talk to us when you’re ready.
Need Help Running Your Campaign?
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Jon Sutton
An expert in management, strategy, and field organizing, Jon has been a frequent commentator in national publications.
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