Ethics Committee Issues Advice on Judicial Campaign Contribution Limits

A California judicial ethics committee on Thursday issued an expedited opinion addressing the ethical considerations for judges and justices who contribute to the reelection or retention campaigns of their judicial colleagues.

The guidance was issued by the California Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (CJEO)—a body which is appointed and authorized by, but works independently of, the California Supreme Court.

In CJEO Expedited Opinion 2026-055, the committee advises justices and judges to consider several factors before contributing to the judicial election campaign of a judicial colleague:

• For a county election, prospective contributors must determine whether a local ordinance sets applicable contribution limits, and if so, comply with those limits. 
• Judges and justices must also consider the timing and circumstances of their campaign contributions to avoid creating the appearance of impropriety, raising concerns of partiality, or causing frequent disqualification.

“It is widely beneficial when judges and justices are reelected or retained through judicial elections, and their judicial colleagues are uniquely positioned to recognize the best among their peers. This opinion provides important guidance for the judges and justices who wish to contribute to those judicial campaigns, including potential campaign contribution limits and factors to consider regarding the timing and circumstances of prospective contributions,” said committee chair Justice Ronald B. Robie.

CJEO issues expedited opinions to judicial officers who request them, following a discretionary decision by CJEO to address the ethical issues raised in an expedited process that does not include posting draft opinions for public comment (as is required for CJEO formal opinions). Expedited opinions are published in full, without identifying information regarding the requesting judicial officer, to provide guidance to the bench and the public regarding judicial ethics.

About the Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (CJEO)
The Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions is a 12-member advisory committee that includes appellate justices, trial court judges, two retired judges, and a commissioner. The committee is appointed and authorized by the California Supreme Court, but its work is independent of the court, the Judicial Council, and all other entities. Its opinions are advisory and do not necessarily reflect the views of the California Supreme Court or any other entity. 

The committee issues formal, informal, and expedited advisory opinions on proper judicial conduct pursuant to the California Code of Judicial Ethics and other authorities. CJEO’s website includes advisory opinions, resources dedicated to specific judicial assignments and issues, and extensive judicial ethics tools and resource materials for the benefit of the bench and the public.