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Candidate Toolkit

Texas Candidate Filing Checklist

Every form, fee, deadline, and disclosure requirement for filing as a candidate in Texas — from county offices to state races.

FilingTexas SOSComplianceDeadlines

2026 Filing Deadlines


  • Filing period opens: January 2, 2026
  • Filing period closes: February 2, 2026 (5:00 PM)
  • Primary Election: March 3, 2026
  • Primary Runoff (if needed): May 26, 2026
  • General Election: November 3, 2026

    • What You Need to File


    For County/Local Offices (Democratic or Republican Primary)


  • Application for a Place on the Primary Ballot (Form available from your county party chair)
  • Filing fee (varies by office — check with county party) OR Petition in Lieu of Filing Fee
  • Personal Financial Statement (if required for the office)
  • Campaign Treasurer Appointment (Form CTA) — must be filed with TEC *before* you accept any contributions or make any expenditures

    • For State Offices


  • All of the above, filed with the Texas Secretary of State or your party's State Executive Committee
  • Petition signatures may be required for some offices in lieu of filing fee

    • Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) Requirements


    You must file a Campaign Treasurer Appointment (Form CTA) before you do anything else. This is the most common mistake first-time candidates make.


    Reporting deadlines for 2026:

  • 30-day pre-primary report: Due February 2, 2026
  • 8-day pre-primary report: Due February 23, 2026
  • Runoff reports (if applicable)
  • 30-day pre-general report: Due October 4, 2026
  • 8-day pre-general report: Due October 26, 2026
  • January semiannual report: Due January 15, 2027

    • Common First-Timer Mistakes


  • Accepting a contribution before appointing a campaign treasurer
  • Missing a reporting deadline (late fines start at $500/day)
  • Using personal funds for campaign expenses without documenting them as loans
  • Failing to disclose in-kind contributions (donated services, food, printing)

    • Resources


  • Texas Ethics Commission: [ethics.state.tx.us](https://www.ethics.state.tx.us) | (512) 463-5800
  • Texas Secretary of State: [sos.texas.gov](https://www.sos.texas.gov)
  • Ellis County Elections Office: (972) 825-5195

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