The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaint filed by Conner Edwards on July 30, 2025. The complaint alleged violations of: (1) RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 by failing to timely and accurately disclose contributions and expenditures; and (2) RCW 42.17A.320 by failing to include complete sponsor identification on political advertisement.
The Respondent was a first-time candidate acting as their own treasurer and self-funding their campaign. It appears that the late and inaccurate reporting of the campaign’s only expenditure and the late disclosure of a deposit from the candidate’s personal funds was due to inexperience and lack of knowledge of PDC laws and rules regarding the campaign’s reporting requirements.
Regarding the insufficient sponsor identification on the Respondent’s campaign website, PDC staff found that the website included some information as to the identity of the sponsor so a member of the public could reasonably ascertain the name of the sponsor. PDC staff found no evidence that the late or incomplete reporting and incomplete sponsor ID was done purposely to conceal information from the public.
Based on our findings, staff has determined that, in this instance, any violation that may have occurred was minor and has been cured. After consideration of the circumstances, further proceedings would not serve the purpose of this chapter. Under WAC 390-37-060, the executive director, at any time prior to consideration by the commission, may dismiss a complaint which on its face, or as shown by investigation, provides reason to believe that a violation has occurred, but also shows that the respondent is in substantial compliance with the relevant statutes or rules, or shows that formal enforcement action is not warranted.
Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, the Respondent is receiving a formal written warning concerning failure to timely and accurately disclose all contribution and expenditures. Staff expects that the Respondent timely and accurately file all future required reports of contributions and expenditures and ensure that political advertising includes any applicable sponsor identification. The Commission will consider this formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.
Based on this information, the PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).
