Standard 2(D) Participation in politics

1. A judge is required to refrain from political activity on behalf of a political organization or candidate. Public confidence in the independence and impartiality of the judiciary is eroded if judges are perceived to be subject to political influence. This means that a judge must not act as a leader or hold any office in a political organization; make speeches for a political organization or candidate, or publicly endorse or oppose a candidate for public office; or solicit funds for or pay an assessment or make a contribution to a political organization or candidate, attend political gatherings, or purchase tickets for political party dinners, or other political functions.

2. A judge must resign the judge’s office when the judge becomes a candidate either in a party primary or in a general election for a public office. A person governed by these Canons may not simultaneously hold elective office and serve as a judge. For the purpose of this standard, serving as a delegate in a state constitutional convention does not constitute a public office.

3. A judge must not engage in any other political activity except on behalf of measures to improve the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice.