SF eyes subtle spending reform after priciest election ever

In an era of big money in local politics, ethics watchdogs are proposing a set of changes to San Francisco’s campaign-finance laws.

If approved, the tweaks could provide a limited benefit to candidates who rely on public financing to fund their campaigns, though they are unlikely to stem the flood of money that enters San Francisco politics every election year.

The proposal comes less than a year after Mayor Daniel Lurie vastly outspent his opponents in a crowded mayoral race — much to their chagrin — largely by funneling his own money into the campaign. In total, 2024 was the most expensive election year in San Francisco history, according to the Ethics Commission.

Last month, the Ethics Commission unveiled recommendations that would double the maximum individual contribution to a candidate from $500 to $1,000. They would also simplify the process by which the spending cap is raised for candidates who enroll in The City’s generous public-financing program, which matches campaign contributions up to $150 at a six-to-one ratio.



https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/politics/sf-eyes-campaign-spending-reform-after-priciest-election-yet/article_ecd59e62-65ef-4beb-ad1f-1b2f05103d1f.html