SLO County Supervisor Accused of Making False Allegations Against Opponent

Paulding's complaint against Verdin over campaign contributions was quickly dismissed by authorities.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Jimmy Paulding accused his opponent Adam Verdin of violating campaign contribution limits, but the allegations were quickly debunked. Paulding filed formal complaints with the California Fair Political Practices Commission and the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office, but the FPPC rejected the request for an investigation and the DA's office found no evidence to support Paulding's claims.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the potential for political mudslinging and false allegations to erode public trust in the electoral process. As an elected official, Paulding's actions raise concerns about his commitment to transparent and accountable government.

The details

Paulding, an attorney, had previously led efforts to lower the campaign contribution limit from $25,000 to $5,900 per election. In this case, Paulding's political consultant Tom Fulks accused Verdin of violating the contribution limits in a Facebook post. However, Verdin's committee chair and former election law attorney Chuck Bell explained that the donations were for the primary and general elections, which was legal and disclosed in Verdin's campaign filings. Despite this, Paulding filed formal complaints with the FPPC and the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office.

  • On February 12, Fulks accused Verdin of violating campaign contribution limits in a Facebook post.
  • Also on February 12, Bell explained that the donations were legal and properly disclosed.
  • On February 15, Paulding filed formal complaints with the FPPC and the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office.
  • On February 18, the FPPC rejected Paulding's request for an investigation, finding no violation.
  • On February 19, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office also closed the complaint, finding no evidence to support Paulding's allegations.

The players

Jimmy Paulding

San Luis Obispo County Supervisor who filed the complaints against his opponent Adam Verdin.

Adam Verdin

Paulding's opponent in the election, whose campaign contributions were the subject of the false allegations.

Chuck Bell

Verdin's committee chair and former election law attorney, who explained that the donations were legal and properly disclosed.

Tom Fulks

Political consultant who initially accused Verdin of violating campaign contribution limits in a Facebook post.

Dan Dow

San Luis Obispo County District Attorney, who sent a letter to Paulding stating that his office had closed the complaint due to a lack of evidence.

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What they’re saying

“Dirty politics doesn't win in South County, truth does. When elected officials resort to political theatrics and false accusations, it doesn't just hurt a campaign, it erodes public trust and discourages good people from engaging in local government.”

— Adam Verdin (CalCoastNews)

“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, Supervisor (Facebook)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of elected officials upholding the integrity of the electoral process and avoiding false accusations that can erode public trust. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of political mudslinging and the need for transparency and accountability in local government.