Can You Keep Your Campaign Committee Open to Run Again in 2028?
Yes, you can keep your campaign committee open after 2026, and if there’s any chance you’ll run again, you probably should. Closing it is permanent, and reopening the door later costs more than keeping it ajar.
This guide is for Democrats who won or lost in 2026 and might run in 2028. It covers federal rules first, then state and local committees.
Why Not to Close It Yet
A federal committee can stay open as long as it keeps filing its regular reports, according to the FEC. A committee that has been terminated can’t be reactivated, so a future run would mean starting over with a new one.
An open committee keeps your bank account, your donor history and your FEC record in one place. It also tells donors and party leaders you’re still in the game.
What Staying Open Costs
- Reports. You keep filing on the FEC’s schedule. In a year without a federal election, House and Senate committees generally file semiannually rather than quarterly. Check the FEC’s reporting calendar.
- A treasurer. Someone has to own the reports, even if it’s a few hours a year.
- Bank and software fees. Small, but plan for them.
- Debt. Any debts stay on your reports until you pay them off.
Redesignating the Committee for 2028
Under federal law, you become a candidate again once you raise or spend more than $5,000 for a new race. Within 15 days, you amend your Statement of Candidacy (Form 2) to name the 2028 election and the same committee.
If you’re running for a different federal office or in a different state, you file a new Form 2 instead of reusing the old one. You can generally move leftover money between your own federal committees.
Using 2026 Money for 2028
Cash left over after your debts are paid can carry into the next race. New contributions count toward your donors’ limits for 2028, so a donor who maxed out in 2026 can give again for the new election.
If you still owe money from 2026, retire that first. Debt-retirement contributions are designated to 2026 and stay within each donor’s 2026 limit, under FEC rules.
State and Local Committees
Arizona and other states have their own rules for keeping a committee open and carrying money forward. Ask the Secretary of State or your local filing officer before you assume federal rules apply.
One rule surprises people who move up from state office. Money raised for a state campaign can’t simply be transferred into a federal campaign committee, because state contribution rules don’t match federal limits.
If You Won: What the Committee Can Pay For
Winners should keep the committee open too, because re-election starts now. Federal campaign money can pay ordinary and necessary expenses tied to holding office, as long as none of it is for personal use.
Federal law treats things like your mortgage or rent, clothing and club dues as personal use. Our guide to officeholder accounts and leftover campaign funds covers what counts, and state officeholders should check their own state’s personal-use rules.
When Closing Makes Sense
Close the committee if you’re done with elected office, your debts are paid and nothing is pending. Our guide to closing a campaign committee walks through the final report and what to do with any leftover funds.
If you’re undecided, keep your campaign committee open while you decide, and read our guide on whether to run again after losing. Sutton & Smart works with Democrats planning their next race. Talk to us about 2028.
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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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