AG Approves Campaign Funds to Boost Childcare Support

In a significant move for political candidates in Arizona, Attorney General Kris Mayes has clarified that private campaign funds can be used for child care expenses. This guidance, issued on Monday, aims to make political office more accessible to parents.

The opinion arose after a query from four Democratic lawmakers who are also mothers. Mayes stated that candidates may allocate campaign funds for child care costs only when such expenses enable them to engage in campaign activities. “If the purpose of paying for dependent care is to enable the candidate to spend time on the campaign, then it is a permissible campaign expenditure,” she wrote.

The legislators seeking Mayes’ advice—Reps. Stacey Travers, Sarah Liguori, Quantá Crews, and Sen. Eva Diaz—emphasized the importance of removing barriers for parents in politics. Travers explained that just as actors deduct personal expenses related to their profession, politicians should also be able to do the same when it comes to campaign-related child care.

Bringing children to campaign events often presents challenges, particularly for single parents. Travers highlighted that finding affordable child care remains a significant hurdle for those considering a run for office. “I’ve been incredibly lucky with my support system, but it’s not foolproof,” she admitted, reflecting on the complexities of balancing family life with political ambitions.

Research indicates that less than 7% of Arizona legislators are mothers of minor children, a statistic that underscores the underrepresentation of parents in politics. Sarah Hague from Vote Mama remarked that the recent opinion by Mayes dismantles a long-standing barrier preventing parents from entering public service. “Caregiving responsibilities should never hinder someone from serving their community,” she stated.

Arizona joins a growing list of states allowing campaign funds for child care, following a 2018 ruling by the Federal Election Commission permitting federal candidates to do the same. Crews commented on this development, stating that it reduces barriers for Arizonans aspiring to political leadership.

Despite these advances, the issue of child care costs remains a concern for elected officials. Mayes specified that public funds cannot be used for child care expenses, delineating that such costs do not fit official duties outlined by state laws. “An officeholder who wishes to use official funds to pay for dependent care would be unable to justify the expenditure,” she concluded.