Using campaign funds for childcare and family travel expenses

Federal candidates cannot use campaign funds to pay for personal expenses—i.e., any expense that would exist irrespective of their candidacy or duties as a federal officeholder. Recently, a number of candidates have asked whether childcare and family travel expenses stemming from their candidacy would be subject to the personal use ban. Applying the irrespective test, the Commission has generally concluded that campaign funds may be used to pay for those expenses if they are incurred as a direct result of campaign or officeholder activity. See, for example, AOs 2018-06 and 2005-09. For more information, please visit our website, call us at 800-424-9530 or email info@fec.gov.