For which candidates do contribution limits apply?

Contribution limits are regulations that establish the maximum amounts of money that individuals or organizations can legally contribute to political candidates and their campaigns. These limits apply to both federal and state candidates, though the specific amounts and rules can vary significantly between federal and state levels.

In the realm of federal elections, candidates running for Congress are subject to strict contribution limits established by laws such as the Federal Election Campaign Act. This act regulates contributions from individuals, political action committees, and other entities to ensure a level playing field and to prevent undue influence from large donations.

Similarly, many states have adopted their own contribution limits for gubernatorial candidates and other state-level offices. These state regulations aim to promote fairness in state elections and reduce potential corruption.

Therefore, contribution limits are applicable to candidates at both levels — state and federal. This dual applicability is crucial in understanding the campaign finance landscape, as it helps maintain the integrity of the electoral process across different types of elections.