| Advisory Opinion request from Judge E. Adrian Adams (Jefferson Parish) regarding campaign expenditures involving Mardi Gras items. |
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Judge Adrian Adams is an elected District Court Judge in Jefferson Parish and is currently seeking re-election to the office of District Court Judge in 2026. Judge Adams was recently selected to serve as King of a local Mardi Gras Krewe for the 2026 Mardi Gras season, which concludes on February 17, 2026. Judge Adams stated that attending Mardi Gras events will allow him to meet constituents of Jefferson Parish prior to the election.
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R.S. 18:1505.2I(1)(b) provides that contributions received by a candidate or committee may be expended for any lawful purpose related to supporting or nominating the candidate for election to public office. However, contributions received by a candidate or a candidate's principal campaign committee shall not be used, loaned, or pledged by any person for the personal use of the candidate.
PRIOR OPINIONS:
In No. 98-013, the Board determined that spending campaign funds on campaign paraphernalia such as cups, pens, hats, shirts, and pins bearing the name of the elected official, which were to be dispensed at any public appearance, including parades, was permissible under R.S. 18:1505.2I, as the expenditures were related to a political campaign.
In Nos. 98-090 and 98-032, the Board concluded that R.S. 18:1505.2I allowed candidates to use campaign funds for related expenses when elected officials or candidates ride in vehicles in which the candidate is clearly identified by a sign containing the name and elected position in Mardi Gras parades.
In No. 99-289, the Board determined that the purchase of certain items thrown at Mardi Gras Parades, including a cup with the candidate's name and picture, a doll made in the candidate's image, a necklace with the candidate's image, and a refrigerator magnet with the candidate's image were appropriate campaign expenses for the candidate pursuant to R.S. 18:1505.2I.
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Adopt the proposed advisory opinion.
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| Assigned Attorney: |
David Bordelon |
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