Federally, the strongest authority points to 'not required,' but don't treat it as settled. FEC Advisory Opinion 2002-09 put text messages under the small-items exception (the bumper-sticker rule) at 11 CFR 110.11(f)(1)(i). It's never been withdrawn. But the reasoning rested on the old 160-character limit, the FEC has deadlocked since, and state committees answer to state law that doesn't follow the FEC.
Why it's genuinely unsettled
The 2002 rationale, a text is like a bumper sticker because there's no room, is strained now that MMS and RCS blow past 160 characters, and the Commission has repeatedly failed to reach consensus on character-limited digital disclaimers. A twenty-year-old opinion on an outdated premise isn't bedrock.
State law is a separate universe
A state or municipal campaign follows its own state's attribution rules, which don't track the FEC and may require a disclaimer on texts. The federal exception is cold comfort if your state requires attribution and you're a state committee. Ask counsel for your specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need 'paid for by' on a campaign text?
Federally, the leading authority (FEC AO 2002-09) says texts fall under the small-items exception and don't require it, but it's unsettled, and state committees follow state rules that may differ. Consult counsel.
Does the FEC text exemption apply to state campaigns?
Not on its own. State and local committees follow their own state's disclaimer laws, which don't follow the FEC. Confirm your state's rules with counsel.
Informational, not legal advice.
Keep reading: Does your political text need a paid-for-by disclaimer and The complete TCPA guide.