Annual Filings Due for Candidate Committees & January Quarterly for PACs
Lisa Farnum, MPP is President of L Farnum, Inc., a firm that specializes in PAC compliance, research and project management. Lisa has been helping clients resolve campaign finance issues and maintain compliance for more than 23 years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Northwood University and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan, Dearborn. Ms. Farnum has over 25 years of experience working with corporations and non-profits.
Navigating compliance filings can be challenging, but with the right resources and guidance, it becomes manageable. As always, my goal is to provide clear, timely information to help Legislators and their staff stay compliant. With over 24 years of experience in campaign finance filings, I aim to provide you with insights, helpful tips, and pitfalls to avoid.
Candidate Committees
Annual Statement (Non-Election Year Candidates)
Annual Report
Close of Books: December 31, 2025
Filing Deadline: February 2, 2026
This filing applies to candidate committees not on the ballot, unless the committee has (or continues to qualify for) a reporting waiver.
Note: Coverage dates may vary depending on the committee’s last filing.
The full 2025–2026 Campaign Finance Filing Schedule published by the Michigan Bureau of Elections is available here.
Special Election — Senate District 35
Candidate committees participating in the 35th Senate District Special Election must follow the special election reporting schedule, which differs from the standard calendar.
Special Primary Election: February 3, 2026
Committees involved in this special election should carefully review both pre-election statements and late contribution (48-hour) reporting windows tied to the primary and general elections.
Other Committees Participating in the Special Election
Political committees that contribute to or oppose candidates in the special election—including PACs and independent committees—must determine whether their activity triggers 48-hour / Late Contribution Reports (LCRs) during the applicable election window.
Participation in an election, not just routine quarterly activity, is what activates these requirements.
Compliance Tip
Verify committee status before assuming a waiver applies.
Before relying on a filing waiver (including “no activity” or “no election participation”), confirm and document that the committee still meets all statutory waiver criteria as of the close of books — not just at the start of the cycle. Changes in status (accepting a late contribution, making an expenditure, or becoming involved in an election) can void a waiver mid-cycle and trigger a filing obligation.
Political Action Committees, Independent Committees & Independent Expenditure Committees
2026 Filing Deadlines
February 2, 2026
April 27, 2026
July 27, 2026
October 26, 2026
January Quarterly Report
Coverage Period: October 21, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Filing Deadline: February 2, 2026
This applies unless the committee qualifies for (and maintains) a reporting waiver.
Contribution Limits
Contribution limits are tied to election cycles and the office sought. Longer election cycles allow higher limits.
Examples:
State Senate (4-year cycle):
$2,450 individual contribution limitState House (2-year cycle):
$1,225 individual contribution limitIndependent PACs:
10× the individual limitSenate: $24,500
House: $12,250
These limits are adjusted every four years.
