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Federal Election Commission | United States of America

Registering as a candidate

An individual running for federal office must register and file financial reports when he or she raises or spends more than $5,000 in contributions or expenditures.

Federal candidates must designate a principal campaign committee. This campaign committee takes in contributions and makes expenditures for the candidate’s campaign. Candidates may designate additional authorized campaign committees to help raise and spend funds, but only a principal campaign committee is required.

The first steps that follow cover specific topics to help an individual register as a candidate.

First steps

Requirements

This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public.

The reader is encouraged also to consult the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.), Commission regulations (Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations), Commission advisory opinions and applicable court decisions.