Ben Kallos testified before the committee that created the New York State Public Campaign System. Starting November 9, 2022 for the 2024 legislature and 2026 statewide elections candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, State Senate, and State Assembly will be able to opt-in to the new public matching system. Contributions from within a candidate's district of between $5 and $250 will eligible for matching.
Public Matching Rates
Statewide:
6 public dollars for every $1 donated in-district.
$5 gets matched with $30, $250 gets matched with $1,500.
Legislature:
First $50, matched at 12 public dollars for every $1 donated in-district.
Next $100, matched at 9 public dollars for every $1 donated in-district.
Last $100, matched at 8 public dollars for every $1 donated in-district.
$50 gets matched with $600, $150 gets matched with $1,500, $250 gets matched with $2,300.
Maximum Public Funds for 2024/2026
Governor: $3.5 million for Primary & $3.5 million combined with Lieutenant Governor for General
Lieutenant Governor: $3.5 million for Primary & $3.5 million combined with Lieutenant Governor for General
Attorney General/Comptroller: $3.5 million for Primary & $3.5 million for General
State Senate: $375,000 for Primary & $375,000 for General
Assembly: $175 for Primary & $175,000 for General
Just as in the New York City system, certain races will not receive public funds including races where candidates run unopposed and in non-competitive races candidates will be limited to 25% of the maximum public funds payment.
Qualification is often one of the biggest hurdles whether for incumbents or first time candidates. In addition to getting on the ballot, in order to qualify for public funds candidates must meet two thresholds: donors and funds raised. Only the first $250 of an in-district contribution counts towards the funds raised threshold. For legislative districts representing low-income communities, there are reduced thresholds.
Minimum Thresholds to Qualify for Public Matching Funds in 2024/2026
Governor: $500,000 in funds raised & 5,000 matchable in-state contributions
Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, & Comptroller: $100,000 in funds raised & 1,000 matchable in-state contributions.
State Senate: $12,000 in funds raised & 150 in-district matchable contributions. ($8,000 & 150 in low-income districts)
Assembly: $6,000 in funds raised & 75 in-district matchable contributions. ($4,000 & 75 in low-income districts)
In addition to the new public campaign finance system, candidates for statewide and legislative office will see sky high contribution limits more than halved in some cases.
Contribution Limits Effective November 9, 2022
Statewide: $9,000 Primary + $9,000 General = $18,000 per cycle
State Senate: $5,000 Primary + $5,000 General = $10,000 per cycle
Assembly: $3,000 Primary + $3,000 General = $6,000 per cycle
Please note that facts and figures provided here are as of December 2020 and subject to change through regulation or law. This information is provided for educational purposes only, please retain our office if you are seeking legal advise.
Our office can help you through every step of the new New York State Public Campaign Finance System and representation before the Public Campaign Finance Board (PCFB) to help you make sure you meet eligibility thresholds, get paid your public funds, and have the resources you need to win.
Â