Campaign Legal Center Files Ethics Complaint Alleging Six Senate Candidates Failed to File Required Disclosures

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the nonpartsian Campaign Legal Center filed a complaint with the Senate Ethics Committee alleging that six candidates running for U.S. Senate have not filed the required personal financial disclosure reports. Kedric Payne, CLC's vice president, general counsel and senior director for ethics, issued the following statement: 

"Senate candidates in six states appear to violate federal disclosure laws, leaving voters in the dark about the candidates’ sources of income and financial interests. The expulsion of Rep. George Santos after he hid his financial interests from voters highlights the need for candidates to comply with disclosure requirements.  

"Federal law requires congressional candidates to file financial disclosure statements ahead of elections. This is essential to ensuring public trust in government. Without this basic transparency, voters are unable to know if the people competing for their votes will prioritize the greater good over their personal financial interests. 

"But thanks, in part, to lax enforcement by the Senate Ethics Committee widespread violations of this requirement by candidates for U.S. Senate has been seen throughout the 2024 election cycle. 

"Despite a previous complaint from Campaign Legal Center (CLC) — which was filed in February to encourage enforcement — six candidates still running to represent states from Massachusetts to Texas have still not filed the appropriate financial disclosure forms. 

"This is why CLC today filed another complaint urging the Senate Ethics Committee to fulfill its duty and compel these candidates to file the proper disclosures and give voters the insight they need to make an informed choice at the ballot box."