Code of Conduct for United States Judges
Canon 5
A Judge Should Refrain From Political Activity

CANON 5A | GENERAL PROHIBITIONS

A judge should not:

(1) act as a leader or hold any office in a political organization;

(2) make speeches for a political organization or candidate, or publicly endorse or oppose a candidate for public office; or

(3) solicit funds for, pay an assessment to, or make a contribution to a political organization or candidate, or attend or purchase a ticket for a dinner or other event sponsored by a political organization or candidate.

Commentary

The term “political organization” refers to a political party, a group affiliated with a political party or candidate for public office, or an entity whose principal purpose is to advocate for or against political candidates or parties in connection with elections for public office.

CANON 5B | RESIGNATION UPON CANDIDACY

A judge should resign the judicial office if the judge becomes a candidate in a primary or general election for any office.

CANON 5C | OTHER POLITICAL ACTIVITY

A judge should not engage in any other political activity. This provision does not prevent a judge from engaging in activities described in Canon 4.