Candidate’s Guide to Nomination and General Election for 2026
The Texas Election Code designates the Secretary of State as the chief election officer of the State of Texas. In order to provide information on the electoral process to all Texans, the Office of the Secretary of State has prepared this guide in the expectation that increased information will result in increased participation.
References are made to the appropriate sections in the Texas Election Code, unless otherwise indicated.
Answers to questions on election law and procedures may be obtained by calling the Elections Division toll-free at 800-252-VOTE or 512-463-5650.
Visit sos.texas.gov, as well as votetexas.gov, for additional election information.
2026 Candidate's Guide
- Offices Up for Election in 2026
- Qualifications required to run for office
- Voter Registration Requirement for Candidates
- Important dates for the party conventions, primary election and general election
- Filing in the Republican or Democratic 2026 primary
- Filing in the Libertarian or Green Party 2026 Convention Process
- Running as an Independent Candidate in 2026
- Running as a Write-In Candidate in 2026
- Running for a Judicial Office in 2026
- Filing for county or precinct chair of a political party holding a primary election in 2026
- How to become a nominee of a new party or a party without ballot access in 2026
- How to establish a political party in Texas
- Running for President in 2028
- Frequently Asked Questions on Party Affiliation and Candidacy
- Important Addresses
Related links:
Important note concerning campaign finance and advertising
Before becoming a candidate, we urge you to contact the Texas Ethics Commission for information on campaign contribution reports, the appointment of a campaign treasurer, and personal financial statements that you may be required to file. The Commission may be reached at:
Texas Ethics Commission
P.O. Box 12070
Austin, Texas 78711-2070
512-463-5800
Candidates running for a federal office should direct their questions to the Federal Election Commission at:
Federal Election Commission
1050 First Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20463
800-424-9530
