What happens to donations when a campaign is suspended

Political candidates nationally and locally have raised tens of millions of dollars for the 2016 elections. Now, many of them are no longer actively running for office.

On Tuesday, ABC 17 News reported Columbia City Council candidate Daryl Dudley had suspended his campaign amid controversy over his financial disclosures. We spoke with the Missouri Ethics Commission about what happens to people’s donations when a campaign is suspended, or ends.

The director says there are no state laws dictating what candidates do during a suspended campaign, but it does have some options if the candidate loses.

The Missouri Ethics Commission’s James Klahr says, “If there is money left over after, that committee can return money to donors. It can also give money to other committees, or it can give money to not-for-profit organizations.”

Dudley’s campaign manager says he will accept the council spot if elected, but they won’t be taking any new donations while suspended.