If you are running for elective office in San Francisco, you must follow rules that apply to candidates. These rules apply to candidates for Mayor, Board of Supervisors, City Attorney, District Attorney, Treasurer, Sheriff, Assessor-Recorder, Public Defender, Board of Education, and Community College Board. Certain rules also apply to candidates for county central committees of a qualified political party as well as candidates for the Retirement Board, Health Service Board, and Retiree Health Care Trust Board.
Officials currently holding elective office are also subject to these rules.
The webpages below summarize San Francisco laws that apply to candidates for San Francisco City elective office. These pages are intended to be a useful resource to candidates seeking to understand campaign finance rules and the obligations they have under these rules. Candidates and committee treasurers should also review the California Fair Political Practices Commission’s Manual for Local Candidates (Manual 2), which contains additional information about state laws that you must follow when running for elective office in San Francisco.
- Getting Started
- Contribution Limits and Restrictions
- Reporting Requirements
- Use of Campaign Funds
- Campaign Advertisement Disclaimer Requirements
- Enforcement and Audits
- Public Financing Program
Laws
Candidates and their treasurers should be aware that both state and local laws apply to their campaigns. The state’s rules related to local elections can be found in the Political Reform Act, as well as in the implementing regulations promulgated by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).
Local rules which apply to candidates in the City can be found in the Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code, as well as in the implementing regulations promulgated by the Ethics Commission.
Failure to comply with state and local campaign laws may result in enforcement related penalties.