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Contributions to Candidates

Last updated February 5, 2008

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Return to the contribution limits page

View a 50-state chart of contribution limits (PDF)

Contribution Limits -- $ Amounts per Election Cycle

Individual to Statewide Candidate

Limits to Candidates

50 State Map

Legend 1 $1,000 or less (7 states)

Legend 2 $1,001 - $5,000 (15 states and D.C.)

Legend 3 $5,001 - $10,000 (10 states)

Legend 4 > $10,000 (4 states)

Legend 5 No Limits (14 states)

Median and Average Contribution Limits -- 2008 Elections

For contributions from an individual to a statewide candidate, the national mean is $4,000 per election cycle; the average is $7,475. For legislative candidates, the national median is $2,000 per election cycle; the average is $3,671 for a state senate candidate and $3,298 for a state house candidate. The lowest limits nationwide are found in Alaska, Massachusetts and South Dakota. The highest limits are in New York and Ohio.

Individual Contributions to Candidates All amounts are per election cycle
	Gubernatorial	Senate	House
National Average	$7,475	$3,671	$3,298
National Median	$4,000	$2,000	$2,000
Highest Limit	$55,900 New York	$21,340 Ohio	$21,340 Ohio
Lowest Limit	$500 Alaska, Mass.	$250 South Dakota	$250 South Dakota

View a 50-state chart of limits on contributions to candidates (PDF)

For more information

For more information on campaign finance reform, contact Jennie Drage Bowser.