SLO County Supervisor Accused of Smear Campaign Against Opponent

Paulding filed complaint against Verdin over campaign finance allegations that were later proven unfounded.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Jimmy Paulding accused his opponent Adam Verdin of violating campaign finance laws, but the allegations were later found to be unfounded. Paulding's political consultant Tom Fulks made the initial claim on Facebook, but Verdin's committee chair Chuck Bell quickly refuted the accusation, explaining that Verdin's donations were legal under state law. Despite the clarification, Paulding still filed a formal complaint with the California Fair Political Practices Commission, which is unlikely to be addressed before the election.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the potential for political candidates to make unsubstantiated accusations against their opponents, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. It also underscores the importance of verifying claims and ensuring that campaign finance laws are properly understood and followed.

The details

Paulding, an attorney, had previously led efforts to lower the county's campaign contribution limit from $25,000 to $5,900 per election. Verdin's top donation in his latest campaign finance report was $11,800 from Covelop Inc., with half directed to the primary and the other half to the general election. This is a common practice, as donors can contribute to both the primary and general elections. Despite the legal explanation from Verdin's committee chair, Paulding still filed a formal complaint with the state's political practices commission.

  • On Feb. 12, Tom Fulks, a political consultant who has worked for Paulding, accused Verdin of violating campaign finance laws on Facebook.
  • Hours later, Chuck Bell, Verdin's committee chair, refuted Fulks' claims, explaining that Verdin's donations were legal under state law.
  • On Feb. 15, Paulding filed a formal complaint with the California Fair Political Practices Commission accusing Verdin of violating campaign finance laws.

The players

Jimmy Paulding

San Luis Obispo County Supervisor and attorney who led efforts to lower the county's campaign contribution limit.

Adam Verdin

Paulding's opponent in the San Luis Obispo County Supervisor race.

Tom Fulks

A political consultant who has worked for Paulding and made the initial claim of Verdin's campaign finance violation on Facebook.

Chuck Bell

A retired attorney and Verdin's committee chair, who refuted Fulks' claims and explained that Verdin's donations were legal under state law.

Covelop Inc.

A company that donated $11,800 to Verdin's campaign, with half directed to the primary and the other half to the general election.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fulks is a moron. State law the SLO County Board of Supervisors adopted has long provided that contribution limits apply 'per election' with $5,900 for the 'primary' election and a separate $5,900 for the 'general' election. The contributions were perfectly legal.”

— Chuck Bell, Verdin's committee chair (Facebook)

“Moments like this require steady, principled leadership at the local level. If you care about integrity in our elections and believe in transparent, accountable government, stand with our campaign today.”

— Jimmy Paulding (Facebook)

What’s next

The California Fair Political Practices Commission is unlikely to address Paulding's formal complaint against Verdin before the election.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the potential for political candidates to make unsubstantiated accusations against their opponents, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. It underscores the importance of verifying claims and ensuring that campaign finance laws are properly understood and followed.