Washington Suspends Campaign Donation Limits Days Before 2026 Election

Washington state election regulators have suspended enforcement of restrictions on large campaign contributions just 12 days before the November 3, 2026 general election, opening the door to larger last-minute political donations. On October 22, the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) announced that it would stop enforcing a state law provision restricting certain campaign contributions exceeding $75,000 for statewide campaigns and $7,500 for other campaigns during the final 21 days before an election. The PDC cited concerns about the law's constitutionality and enforceability under federal court decisions involving political contributions and free speech. WASHINGTON CAMPAIGN FINANCE RULES CHANGE BEFORE ELECTION The sudden decision comes during the final stretch of Washington's 2026 election, as political committees, labor unions, business organizations and individual donors spend millions on high-profile ballot initiative campaigns. In this Washington In Focus report, The Center Square examines the timing of the PDC's decision, the campaign donation restrictions affected and questions about how the change could influence election fundraising. MILLIONS SPENT ON WASHINGTON BALLOT INITIATIVES The report discusses fundraising surrounding Washington's income tax repeal initiative I-645, parental rights initiative I-001 and girls' sports initiative I-638. The campaign opposing the income tax repeal initiative has reported raising more than $11.5 million, according to figures cited in the report. Major donors and organizations involved in the election debate include the Washington Education Association, SEIU 775, business groups and political committees opposing the initiatives. Let's Go Washington supports the initiatives and is encouraging voters to approve them. WHY DID THE PDC SUSPEND THE RESTRICTIONS? The Washington Public Disclosure Commission says the decision reflects constitutional and legal concerns surrounding the enforceability of the state's pre-election contribution restrictions. The move suspends enforcement of a specific late-contribution provision. It does not eliminate all Washington campaign finance limits, reporting requirements or disclosure laws. With ballots already being returned ahead of Election Day, the timing of the decision is raising questions about political spending and the influence of major campaign donors. Subscribe to The Center Square for Washington state election coverage, campaign finance reporting, ballot initiatives, government accountability and public policy news. Get important Washington government and policy updates delivered by text about twice a week. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016. #WashingtonElection #CampaignFinance #WashingtonPDC #WashingtonPolitics #Election2026