Candidate Integrity Pledge
Across the political spectrum, Americans agree on one thing: money has too much influence in our democracy. From corporate PACs and dark money groups to pay-to-play politics and backroom deals, the system has been rigged in favor of the wealthy and well-connected, while everyday citizens are left behind.
The Money Out of Politics Movement is leading a national, non-partisan push to change that. As part of our work to restore public trust and fight corruption, we’re asking candidates at all levels of government to take a stand.
About
What Is the Pledge?
The Candidate Integrity Pledge is a public commitment by candidates for public office to reject the influence of big money, dark money, and unethical lobbying practices, as well as to prioritize the voices of the people they serve.
It’s not just words on a page. It’s a line in the sand.
By signing this pledge, candidates affirm their dedication to transparency, accountability, and a government that works for everyone, not just those who can write the biggest checks.
Candidate Integrity Pledge
A Commitment to Democracy, Transparency, and Public Service
As a candidate for public office, I recognize that our democracy thrives only when elected officials answer to the people, not to corporate donors, special interests, or secretive political financiers.
For too long, billionaires and special interests have used campaign cash to drown out the voices of everyday Americans. That ends with us.
By signing this pledge, I make a solemn commitment to restore public trust in our democratic system and to serve my constituents with unwavering transparency, fairness, and independence.
I PLEDGE TO:
Reject Dark Money
- Reject all contributions from political action committees (PACs), Super PACs, and any other organization that does not fully disclose its donors.
- Disclose and, where feasible, reject in-kind support from party organizations funded by undisclosed or corporate sources.
- Decline any anonymous donation exceeding $100.
- Publicly disavow and denounce any dark money expenditures made on my behalf.
Reject Big Money
- Voluntarily limit all contributions from any individual, corporation, or organization to no more than $3,500 per campaign cycle, or my state’s campaign finance limit—whichever is greater.
- Refuse all donations, gifts, favors, or in-kind contributions from industries directly impacted by any committee(s) on which I serve or seek to serve, including travel, speaking fees, event sponsorships, or other forms of non-monetary influence.
- Reject unpaid services from any entity that compensates individuals to assist my campaign, unless such assistance is transparently disclosed as in-kind contributions.
Ensure Complete Transparency
- Publish all campaign contributions on my website within seven days of receipt, in an easily searchable and downloadable format.
- Publicly disclose all meetings with lobbyists, industry interest groups, and major donors.
- Disclose all forms of in-kind support or coordinated efforts from political parties, outside groups, or allied organizations whose funding sources are not publicly traceable.
Prioritize Constituent Voices
- Make decisions based on the needs and will of my constituents, not on the preferences of campaign contributors.
- Represent all constituents equally, including those who did not vote for me or belong to my political party.
- Never exchange access, influence, or policy positions for campaign donations, endorsements, or strategic advantages from political operatives or outside funders.
Practice Active Engagement
- Host regular town halls—at least quarterly—in diverse locations and communities across my district.
- Use polling, surveys, and other feedback mechanisms to gather meaningful constituent input on key policy issues.
- Maintain open, accessible communication channels for all constituents, online and in person.
Champion Fundamental Reform
- Advocate for a constitutional amendment to regulate campaign finance and affirm that only human beings, not corporations, possess constitutional rights.
- Support legislation banning lobbyist gifts and congressional insider trading.
- Work to strengthen ethics laws and the enforcement mechanisms that uphold them.
I will make this pledge public on my campaign website and in campaign materials, and I welcome being held accountable to these commitments by the people I seek to serve. I believe that public service should never be for sale.
Become a Money Out of Politics Candidate
Sign the Pledge
Are you a candidate who believes that public service should never be for sale?
Sign the Candidate Integrity Pledge now and join a growing list of leaders committed to putting people before profits.
