Deciding whether to become a candidate

Before deciding to campaign for federal office, potential candidates may want to “test the waters” and explore the feasibility of their candidacy. Individuals who merely test the waters, but do not campaign for office, do not have to register or report with the FEC even if they raise more than $5,000 — the dollar threshold that would normally trigger registration. Nevertheless, funds raised to test the waters are subject to the Act’s contribution limitations and prohibitions, and must be disclosed when the individual becomes a candidate. For more information, please see our testing the waters website and e-learning video. Prospective candidates may also be interested in our June 9 webinar for candidates and their committees.