In a clear reversal of an earlier ruling, the state Ethics Commission ruled Thursday that political campaigns cannot make unlimited financial donations to other campaigns.

In August, the commission ruled that politicians could funnel cash to other campaigns, although there was a law on the books that limited contributions.

The issue came to light on Aug. 17, when the commission heard and dismissed a complaint over $10,000 from the campaign of a dead man.

Warner Robins Mayor Donald Walker was running for re-election in 2009 when he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Later, his campaign sent $10,000 to candidate Chuck Chalk, who was running to succeed Walker. Political donations are supposed to be capped at $2,400 in municipal races.

But citing language in the Ethics in Government Act, commissioners ruled at the time that, unlike regular donors, political candidates can give as much as they want to other campaigns.

Thursday’s ruling referred to other language in the law that caps donations.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., holds a “Rally for the Republic” at The Eastern on Saturday, March 22, 2025. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC)

Credit: Jenni Girtman for the AJC

Featured

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP