National City is increasing campaign contribution limits.
The maximum donation candidates can receive from individuals per year jumps from $1,135 to $1,230. Political parties can contribute up to $2,455, an 8.4% hike from limits set in 2023.
City leaders earlier this month unanimously approved an ordinance setting the new caps, which go into effect next month and will apply to local elections in 2026.
In 2023, National City began setting its donation limits to the consumer price index every odd numbered year. The increases are based on changes in inflation over the previous two-year period. For the San Diego region, the annual consumer price index changed 8.4%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
National City had long been one of five cities in San Diego County without limits to campaign contributions, later defaulting to state law limitations. The other four municipalities were Carlsbad, El Cajon, Imperial Beach and Oceanside. All but Oceanside have set their own limits. Countywide, El Cajon has the highest limitation at $10,000.
In National City, the first contribution limits officials established – $1,000 from individuals and $2,000 from political parties – went into effect January 2021.
Outside money pouring into local elections was a large reason for capping campaign contributions.
From 2012 to 2018, candidate donations in National City jumped by 2,900%, according to a city analysis. That same report found that nearly 90% of candidate contributions in the 2018 election came from outside city limits.
At the time, National City’s $1,000 contribution limit was the third-highest in the county. Just ahead was Lemon Grove at $1,090 and Escondido at $4,300.
