The commission voted Dec. 4 that reasonable grounds exist to believe a candidate violated Georgia campaign finance statutes by failing to file required reports on time, after a staff presentation and respondent’s statements clarifying timing and prior filings.

Staff attorney outlined three alleged violations: failure to file the personal financial disclosure statement (PFDS) within 15 days after qualifying (OCGA §21-5-50), failure to file the 6‑day pre-runoff Campaign Contribution Disclosure Report (CCDR) (OCGA §21-5-34(c)(4)), and failure to file the 12/31/2024 CCDR (OCGA §21-5-34). The staff said the missing filings were later submitted but were untimely. "They were filed — they're filed now — they were late," the staff attorney told the commission.

The respondent acknowledged a late 6‑day filing and said earlier conversations with staff led her to believe some filings would "suffice" because they were filed close in time or in excess. "Everything has been filed. Everything is up to date, and there are no issues as it relates to that," the respondent said during her remarks to commissioners.

After questions from commissioners, the panel voted that reasonable grounds exist on each alleged violation and directed staff to refer the matter to the Office of State Administrative Hearings for further proceedings. Staff told the respondent she had 30 days to contact staff if she wanted to pursue settlement discussions before referral.