Candidates can use campaign funds for child care in most states, but few do

Georgia Democratic Sen. Kim Jackson has two boys –- a 3-year-old and a 4-month old. Her older son attends daycare but finding someone to watch him when Jackson is campaigning for reelection in the evenings and on weekends is a tricky scheduling and financial puzzle.

“It’s really hard to be accessible to your constituents if you’re not accessible during non-traditional daycare hours,” Jackson said.

Georgia started allowing candidates to use money from their campaign finances to pay for child care costs in 2023. Jackson is taking advantage of the policy for the first time this year after she and her wife adopted their eldest son last year.

“So much of me needing child care is about being able to do my job, which is to be with the people,” Jackson said. “These funds make that easier.”

Two thirds of states now allow candidates of any gender running for public office to use campaign funds to pay for child care expenses after the Federal Elections Commission approved the practice for federal candidates in 2018. While women with young children say its monumental to their campaigns and usage is growing, the number of candidates taking advantage of the policies remains relatively low and numerous complex barriers keeping mothers from running for office persist.

Despite making up half of the population, women hold about 32.8% of all statehouse seats, according to the Center for American Women in Politics. Advocates for allowing campaign funds for child care say it is one avenue to reach more equal representation in government and including mothers at the table is crucial for their perspective on policy ranging from the economy to parental leave.

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