A proposed 28th Amendment would prohibit out-of-state funding in local elections, as non-constituents fund up to 90% of candidates nationwide. A constitutional amendment prohibiting out-of-state and foreign contributions to local elections has been endorsed by 23 states. The amendment aims to keep elected officials loyal to their constituents rather than outside donors.
Outside Money Flooding Local Elections
The 2024 election cycle has seen unprecedented levels of outside financial influence in local elections across America. Campaign contributions for ballot measures alone have reached a staggering $1.32 billion, with California and Florida receiving the largest shares. This influx of external funding has raised serious concerns about the integrity of local representation and whether elected officials are truly answerable to their constituents or to their wealthy out-of-state donors who fund their campaigns.
The scale of the problem is alarming – in some contests, nearly 90% of campaign funding comes from out-of-state sources. This means that local elections, which are meant to reflect community values and priorities, are increasingly being influenced or even controlled by external actors with their own agendas. The result is growing skepticism about whether candidates genuinely represent local interests or are beholden to distant financial supporters who may have minimal connection to the communities they seek to influence.
Did you know that American and even foreign billionaires can shape our local elections, referendums, and ballot initiatives?
This is why 23 states have endorsed a 28th amendment to allow the banning of outside money from local races. pic.twitter.com/bbmrAjcTbq
— Facts Matter (@FactsMatterRB) April 30, 2025
The Proposed Constitutional Solution
To address this challenge, a movement has emerged supporting a constitutional amendment that would ban both foreign and out-of-state contributions in local elections. This proposed amendment has already gained significant traction, with 23 states endorsing the measure. Constitutional scholars note that should this amendment be adopted, it would become the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, marking a significant change in how American elections are financed.
“Since Roe was overturned, every time reproductive freedom has been on the ballot, the people of America voted for freedom.” – Kamala Harris
The amendment process at the state level provides insight into how constitutional changes can gain momentum. Unlike the federal Constitution, which has been amended only 27 times, state constitutions have undergone approximately 7,000 amendments in total. This demonstrates Americans’ willingness to update governing documents when they believe fundamental changes are needed to protect democratic processes. The proposed 28th Amendment continues this tradition by addressing a modern threat to electoral integrity.
If someone is elected with 90% of their campaign funds coming from out-of-state, do they really represent their local constituents?
As a possible solution, 23 states endorse a 28th amendment to keep outside money out of local races.https://t.co/MLUGiWiSkB
— Facts Matter (@FactsMatterRB) April 25, 2025
Impact on Democratic Representation
Proponents argue that the amendment would strengthen local representation by ensuring elected officials are primarily accountable to their actual constituents rather than outside financial interests. By limiting the influence of external money, the amendment aims to create a more direct relationship between voters and their representatives. This could potentially lead to policy decisions that better reflect local values and priorities rather than those of distant donors with different interests.
“But the people of Ohio decided. The people of Kansas decided. The people are now deciding, and it’s taken it off the shoulders of the federal government.” – Donald Trump
This proposed amendment comes at a time when states are already actively considering various constitutional changes. In 2024 alone, 159 statewide ballot measures were certified in 41 states, with voters deciding on 146 measures on November 5. The issues ranged from abortion and citizenship to electoral systems and criminal justice reform. This demonstrates that Americans are engaged in a robust debate about their governing structures and are willing to make significant changes when they believe it will strengthen their democratic institutions.
Constitutional Amendment Process
For the proposed 28th Amendment to become reality, it must complete the rigorous process outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution. This requires either a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. Following proposal, three-fourths of states (38) must ratify the amendment for it to become part of the Constitution. With 23 states already endorsing the measure, supporters are approaching the two-thirds threshold needed to call a convention.
The movement to restrict outside funding in local elections reflects growing concern about the influence of money in politics. By ensuring that local elections are funded primarily by the communities they serve, supporters hope to restore trust in democratic institutions and create a political system more responsive to ordinary citizens. If successful, this amendment could fundamentally reshape American democracy by strengthening the connection between representatives and their constituents at the local level.