Deciding whether to become a candidate?

Before deciding to campaign for federal office, potential candidates may wish to “test the waters” by exploring the feasibility of undertaking a campaign. Testing the waters activities may include fundraising, conducting polls, and traveling around the state or district in order to gauge public support for a possible candidacy. Individuals who merely test the waters do not have to register or report with the FEC even if they raise or spend more than $5,000—the dollar threshold that would normally trigger registration. For more information, please review our "Testing the Waters” informational article and YouTube video.