WORCESTER—Worcester City Councilor and at-large candidate Khrystian King is facing scrutiny after the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) released findings that his campaign failed to comply with multiple state campaign finance laws during the current election cycle.
According to a public letter from OCPF Director William Campbell, King’s campaign committee deposited approximately $38,100 between August 2023 and March 2025, but failed to file timely reports for roughly $37,900 of those contributions. The letter warns that future violations could lead to fines or even disqualification from the ballot under state law.
The committee also received contributions exceeding legal limits and was required to purge $390 to the Commonwealth. Additionally, expenditures totaling approximately $32,000 were not initially reported accurately, though the committee later clarified those records after OCPF intervention.
“The delay in filing required reports frustrates the public’s interest in accurate and timely disclosure of campaign finance activity,” Campbell wrote.
This marks a significant compliance issue in a year when Worcester voters will elect a mayor, city councilors, and school committee members.
The League of Women Voters of the Worcester Area has responded to the findings, reinforcing their stance on the importance of campaign finance transparency.
“The League of Women Voters Worcester Area (LWVWA) is a nonpartisan, political nonprofit dedicated to empowering participation in democracy and civic engagement,” said League President Erin Jansky. “The league advocates for issues that champion free, fair, and open elections, but does not support or oppose any candidates for office.”
Jansky added that LWVWA encourages all candidates to comply fully with campaign finance requirements. “These processes enhance voter confidence in the systems meant to empower their voices and ensure accountability,” she said. “LWVWA continues to support initiatives that seek to improve government transparency.”
The organization’s statement also stressed its belief that the way campaigns are financed should enable equitable competition, protect democratic integrity, and provide voters with meaningful information. LWVWA has a long history of hosting nonpartisan candidate forums and helping educate the public about ballot questions and candidate positions.
“Through these opportunities,” Jansky noted, “LWVWA works to provide voters with information about candidate positions on topics important to them in an equitable setting.”
Jason Tait, education director for OCPF, also responded to media inquiries about how common such issues are in local elections.
“We’ve never studied how common such issues are in municipal elections across Massachusetts,” Tait said. “It’s a case-by-case basis.” He directed voters and reporters to OCPF’s public resolution letters and audits, which show similar issues involving other candidates. “The purpose of the campaign finance law is public disclosure of activity,” he said. “The money raised and spent must be made available for the public to review, in a timely manner, according to state law.”
Requests for comment were sent to Councilor King and Mayor Joseph Petty. As of publication, neither had responded. King has issued comments to other media outlets regarding the OCPF findings.
Whether this incident will lead to calls for additional oversight or reforms remains to be seen.
Voters will head to the polls for the preliminary municipal election on Sept. 2, if needed, and for the general municipal election on Nov. 4.
This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available. Please refresh the page for the latest updates.
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