Running for office in Texas
This page covers what's specific to Texas. Start with the general guide for the steps every candidate follows regardless of state.
Filing in Texas
Texas local candidates file directly with the filing authority for the specific office, not with the Secretary of State. That authority depends on the office: a city secretary for municipal offices, the secretary of the governing board (or another designated official) for school boards, hospital districts, junior college districts, and most water and utility districts, and the county clerk or elections administrator for county appraisal district boards. Home-rule city charters can designate a different filing authority.
Most local political subdivisions in Texas require neither a filing fee nor a petition. Where one is required, you may file a petition in lieu of the filing fee, signed by a specified number of qualified voters, instead of paying. Whichever of the fee or petition applies must be submitted together with your application, not separately. Applications can go by mail, in person, or in some cases by notarized email or fax.
Deadlines and numbers
- May 2, 2026 Uniform Election: filing runs January 14 to February 13, 2026 (5:00 p.m.), extended to March 6, 2026 for certain four-year-term city offices that draw no candidates by the standard deadline
- November 3, 2026 Uniform Election: filing runs July 18 to August 17, 2026 (5:00 p.m.)
- Withdrawal deadline: February 20, 2026 for the May election, August 24, 2026 for the November election, by notarized certificate of withdrawal
The dossier notes specific filing fee amounts and petition signature thresholds vary by individual city, school district, and special district, and aren't centrally published by the Secretary of State. Contact your local filing authority for the exact numbers, or ask in /engage.
Where to go
- Texas Secretary of State, Candidate Information: sos.state.tx.us/elections/candidates/index.shtml
- For the filing fee or signature count for a specific office, contact the filing authority for that political subdivision directly