What happens to campaign donations when a candidate isn’t elected?

[BarryLiverstone]

I am seeing more people talk about officially running for president. Seems like one reason to announce this early is to form a team and start collecting campaign donations. But if they drop out or don’t win their primary where does the money go that wasn’t spent?

[Quackthulu2]

They are spent paying hush money to porn stars?

[BarryLiverstone]

When doing research it said the candidate can’t use the funds personally. I understand your reference but I’m wondering if the person who wins the primary gets all the money from others

[Quackthulu2]

The money gets spent.

[BarryLiverstone]

Oh ok. So it’s not like one candidate has 1 million left unspent that gets shifted to the primary winner. It’s the same with super PACs?

[Brandi555]

Barry. I think that the money is used during the campaign. Like if you contributed me $50 to buy gas to race someone to Florida and I lost I don’t have the $50. I used it. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[BarryLiverstone]

That makes sense. I’m just wondering if 12 people are in the primary and only one wins the other 11 send their excess funds to the winner. And if there is a max $ per candidate can rich people donate to all 12 to get around the max rules

[Akam93]

Honestly I have no idea. Hopefully not towards stupid stuff.

[Wise4myage]

I think they are allowed to keep the money.

[BarryLiverstone]

www.investopedia.com/.../...ds-after-elections.asp

Says the candidate can’t keep the excess donations for personal use

[Wise4myage]

Well that's good.