[EL] Q. What happens if a Presidential Candidate raises a billion dollars and does not spend it in the election

[Lillie Coney]

I was wondering what would happen if at the end of the election a presidential campaign is unsuccessful,
but has a huge balance in the campaign account. They would have to settle all outstanding bills for the
campaign and submit reports to the FEC, but what if after that there is a significant balance.

In the 1990s Congress addressed this issue by requiring retiring members to donate their surplus campaign 
funds into contributions to their party, other candidates or to charities.  It is my understanding that if a 
candidate was unsuccessful in an election they could retain campaign funds for future election efforts for the 
same office or to seek other offices.  I do not know if these rules still apply today.

I will not venture a guess about what would happen with surplus funds collected by Super Pacs.