Political Contribution Limits Increased For 2015-2016 Election Cycle

The Federal Election Commission has increased the amounts that individuals and certain PACs can contribute in the 2015-16 election cycle. The most significant change is that individuals may now give 2700 per election to each federal candidate. This is an increase from the $2600 per election limit that had been in place for 2013-14. Since primary and general election contests are viewed as separate "elections," an individual may now contribute a total of $5400 to a federal candidate.

In addition, individuals can now give $33,400 to each national party committee per calendar year (up from $32,400). The $5,000 per year individual contribution limit to PACs is not affected.

The contribution limits for larger PACs are not readjusted each election cycle. As a result, "multicandidate" PACs – those with 51 or more contributors that have supported 5 or more federal candidates – can still contribute $5000 per candidate per election, $15,000 per year to a national