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# An individual can run as a write-in candidate.  
# An individual can run as a write-in candidate.  


'''This article provides general information about [[#Requirements to run for congressional office|federal and state requirements for congressional candidates]]. [[#2018 filing deadlines|Filling deadlines for 2018]] are also provided.'''  
'''This article provides general information about [[#Requirements to run for congressional office|federal and state requirements for congressional candidates]]. [[Filing deadline|Filing deadlines]] are also provided.'''  
 
To see congressional filing deadlines for upcoming elections, '''[[#Filing deadlines|click here]].'''<br>
For state-specific congressional filing deadlines, '''[[#State-specific filing deadlines|click here]].'''
<br>
{{Filing info box}}


==Requirements to run for congressional office==
==Requirements to run for congressional office==
Line 17: Line 22:
===State requirements===
===State requirements===
::''See also: [[Ballot access for major and minor party candidates]]''
::''See also: [[Ballot access for major and minor party candidates]]''
In order to have his or her name printed on an election ballot, a congressional candidate must generally do one or both of the following: collect and file petition signatures or pay registration fees. Requirements vary from state to state and according to the type of candidate (e.g., major party candidate, minor party candidate, independent candidate, etc.). To learn more about specific ballot access requirements, select a state from the map below.  
In order to have his or her name printed on an election ballot, a congressional candidate must generally do one or both of the following: collect and file petition signatures or pay registration fees. Requirements vary from state to state and according to the type of candidate (e.g., major party candidate, minor party candidate, independent candidate, etc.). To learn more about specific ballot access requirements, select a state from the map below.  If on a mobile device, select a state from the dropdown menu below.


<div id="bp-map-title">Click your state <span id="bp-map-subtitle"> Learn more about congressional ballot access in your area.</span></div>
<div id="bp-map-title">Click your state <span id="bp-map-subtitle"> Learn more about congressional ballot access in your area.</span></div>
<div id="bp-map-container"><BPmap url="http://ballotpedia.org/Ballot_access_requirements_for_political_candidates_in_STATE" width="550px"></BPmap></div><noinclude>[[Category:Ballot access templates‎]]</noinclude>
<div id="bp-map-container"><BPmap url="http://ballotpedia.org/Ballot_access_requirements_for_political_candidates_in_STATE" width="550px"></BPmap></div><noinclude>[[Category:Ballot access templates‎]]</noinclude>


==2018 filing deadlines==
==Filing deadlines==
===2026===
The following table lists filing deadlines and primary dates for statewide elections in 2026. Please note that dates are subject to change.
{{#section:State and federal candidate filing deadlines for 2026|2026primaryfilingdates}}</br>
 
For filing information from previous years, click "[Show more]" below.
<ShowHideText>
---
 
===2024===
The following table lists filing deadlines and primary dates for statewide elections in 2024. Please note that dates are subject to change.
 
{{Statewide filing and primary dates, 2024}}
 
===2022===
The following table lists filing deadlines and primary dates for statewide elections in 2022. Please note that dates are subject to change.
 
{{Statewide filing and primary dates, 2022}}
 
===2020===
See below for partisan and unaffiliated candidate filing deadlines by state for 2020. States are listed in alphabetical order. Empty cells indicate situations where we have not yet been able to determine an exact date. We will update this information as soon as possible.
<html><iframe height="500px" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRRuX2tlTxWmRVhj4qerkKv2fMC1ALYBIyVpiyglV4bT2QKUYKSnby2ZKw2-3Torb8ydwVkcvmP7hwG/pubhtml?widget=true&amp;headers=false"></iframe></html>
 
===2018===
See below for candidate filing deadlines by state for 2018. States are listed in alphabetical order.  
See below for candidate filing deadlines by state for 2018. States are listed in alphabetical order.  
=== Alabama ===
{{col-begin|width=95%}}
{{col-break}}
'''Alabama'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018| Alabama}}
{{CongressFiling2018| Alabama}}


===Alaska===
'''Alaska'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Alaska}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Alaska}}


===Arizona===
'''Arizona'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Arizona}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Arizona}}


===Arkansas===
'''Arkansas'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Arkansas}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Arkansas}}


===California===
'''California'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|California}}
{{CongressFiling2018|California}}


===Colorado===
'''Colorado'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Colorado}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Colorado}}


===Connecticut===
'''Connecticut'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Connecticut}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Connecticut}}


===Delaware===
'''Delaware'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Delaware}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Delaware}}


===Florida===
'''Florida'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Florida}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Florida}}


===Georgia===
'''Georgia'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Georgia}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Georgia}}


===Hawaii===
'''Hawaii'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Hawaii}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Hawaii}}


===Idaho===
'''Idaho'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Idaho}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Idaho}}


===Illinois===
'''Illinois'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Illinois}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Illinois}}
 
{{col-break}}
===Indiana===
'''Indiana'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Indiana}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Indiana}}


===Iowa===
'''Iowa'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Iowa}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Iowa}}


===Kansas===
'''Kansas'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Kansas}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Kansas}}


===Kentucky===
'''Kentucky'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Kentucky}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Kentucky}}


===Louisiana===
'''Louisiana'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Louisiana}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Louisiana}}


===Maine===
'''Maine'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Maine}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Maine}}


===Maryland===
'''Maryland'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Maryland}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Maryland}}


===Massachusetts===
'''Massachusetts'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Massachusetts}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Massachusetts}}


===Michigan===
'''Michigan'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Michigan}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Michigan}}


===Minnesota===
'''Minnesota'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Minnesota}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Minnesota}}


===Mississippi===
'''Mississippi'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Mississippi}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Mississippi}}


===Missouri===
'''Missouri'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Missouri}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Missouri}}


===Montana===
'''Montana'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Montana}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Montana}}
 
{{col-break}}
===Nebraska===
'''Nebraska'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Nebraska}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Nebraska}}


===Nevada===
'''Nevada'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Nevada}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Nevada}}


===New Hampshire===
'''New Hampshire'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|New Hampshire}}
{{CongressFiling2018|New Hampshire}}


===New Jersey===
'''New Jersey'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|New Jersey}}
{{CongressFiling2018|New Jersey}}


===New Mexico===
'''New Mexico'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|New Mexico}}
{{CongressFiling2018|New Mexico}}


===New York===
'''New York'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|New York}}
{{CongressFiling2018|New York}}


===North Carolina===
'''North Carolina'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|North Carolina}}
{{CongressFiling2018|North Carolina}}


===North Dakota===
'''North Dakota'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|North Dakota}}
{{CongressFiling2018|North Dakota}}


===Ohio===
'''Ohio'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Ohio}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Ohio}}


===Oklahoma===
'''Oklahoma'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Oklahoma}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Oklahoma}}


===Oregon===
'''Oregon'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Oregon}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Oregon}}


===Pennsylvania===
'''Pennsylvania'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Pennsylvania}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Pennsylvania}}
 
{{col-break}}
===Rhode Island===
'''Rhode Island'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Rhode Island}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Rhode Island}}


===South Carolina===
'''South Carolina'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|South Carolina}}
{{CongressFiling2018|South Carolina}}


===South Dakota===
'''South Dakota'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|South Dakota}}
{{CongressFiling2018|South Dakota}}


===Tennessee===
'''Tennessee'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Tennessee}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Tennessee}}


===Texas===
'''Texas'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Texas}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Texas}}


===Utah===
'''Utah'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Utah}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Utah}}


===Vermont===
'''Vermont'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Vermont}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Vermont}}


===Virginia===
'''Virginia'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Virginia}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Virginia}}


===Washington===
'''Washington'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Washington}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Washington}}


===West Virginia===
'''West Virginia'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|West Virginia}}
{{CongressFiling2018|West Virginia}}


===Wisconsin===
'''Wisconsin'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Wisconsin}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Wisconsin}}


===Wyoming===
'''Wyoming'''<br>
{{CongressFiling2018|Wyoming}}
{{CongressFiling2018|Wyoming}}
{{col-end}}</ShowHideText>
===State-specific filing deadlines===
To learn more about filing deadlines in specific states, select a state from the list below. 
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Alabama|Alabama]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Alaska|Alaska]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Arizona|Arizona]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Arkansas|Arkansas]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in California|California]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Colorado|Colorado]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Connecticut|Connecticut]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Delaware|Delaware]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Florida|Florida]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Georgia|Georgia]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Hawaii|Hawaii]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Idaho|Idaho]]
{{col-break}}
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Illinois|Illinois]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Indiana|Indiana]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Iowa|Iowa]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Kansas|Kansas]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Kentucky|Kentucky]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Louisiana|Louisiana]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Maine|Maine]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Maryland|Maryland]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Massachusetts|Massachusetts]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Michigan|Michigan]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Minnesota|Minnesota]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Mississippi|Mississippi]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Missouri|Missouri]]
{{col-break}}
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Montana|Montana]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Nebraska|Nebraska]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Nevada|Nevada]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in New Hampshire|New Hampshire]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in New Jersey|New Jersey]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in New Mexico|New Mexico]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in New York|New York]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in North Carolina|North Carolina]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in North Dakota|North Dakota]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Ohio|Ohio]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Oklahoma|Oklahoma]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Oregon|Oregon]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania]]
{{col-break}}
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Rhode Island|Rhode Island]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in South Carolina|South Carolina]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in South Dakota|South Dakota]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Tennessee|Tennessee]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Texas|Texas]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Utah|Utah]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Vermont|Vermont]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Virginia|Virginia]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Washington|Washington]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in West Virginia|West Virginia]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Wisconsin|Wisconsin]]
*[[Ballot access requirements for political candidates in Wyoming|Wyoming]]
{{col-end}}


==See also==
==See also==
{{Greener|start=12/31/2024 12:01AM CDT|before=*[[2024 election dates and deadlines]]|after=}}
*[[Signature requirements and deadlines for 2024 U.S. Congress elections]]
*[[Signature requirements and deadlines for 2022 U.S. Congress elections]]
*[[Signature requirements and deadlines for 2020 U.S. Congress elections]]
*[[Signature requirements and deadlines for 2018 U.S. Congress elections]]
*[[Signature requirements and deadlines for 2016 U.S. Congress elections]]
*[[Signature requirements and deadlines for 2016 U.S. Congress elections]]
*[[Signature requirements and deadlines for 2014 U.S. Congress elections]]
*[[Signature requirements and deadlines for 2014 U.S. Congress elections]]
*[[Signatures needed for independent candidates to qualify for United States House of Representatives elections, 2014]]
*[[Signature requirements and deadlines for 2012 U.S. Congress elections]]
*[[Signature requirements and deadlines for 2012 U.S. Congress elections]]
*[[Signatures needed for independent candidates to qualify for United States House of Representatives elections, 2014]]
*[[Signature requirements and deadlines for 2012 state government elections]]
*[[Signature requirements and deadlines for 2012 state government elections]]


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[[Category:Ballot access concepts and issues]]
[[Category:Ballot access concepts and issues]]
[[Category:Election policy tracking]]
[[Category:One-off pages, active]]

Latest revision as of 07:02, 22 August 2025

Election Policy VNT Logo.png
Ballot access for major and minor party candidates
Ballot access for presidential candidates
Select a state below to learn more about ballot access requirements for candidates in that state.
Ballot access requirements for political parties in the United States
List of political parties in the United States
Ballotpedia's Election Administration Legislation Tracker
Note: This article is not intended to serve as a guide to running for public office. Individuals should contact their state election agencies for further information.

In order to get on the ballot, a congressional candidate must meet a variety of filing requirements and deadlines. These regulations, known as ballot access laws, determine whether and how a candidate can appear on an election ballot. Because these laws are adopted and enforced at the state level, filing requirements vary from state to state. In general, there are three methods by which an individual can become a congressional candidate:

  1. An individual can seek the nomination of a state-recognized political party.
  2. An individual can run as an independent. Independent candidates often must petition in order to have their names printed on the general election ballot.
  3. An individual can run as a write-in candidate.

This article provides general information about federal and state requirements for congressional candidates. Filing deadlines are also provided.

To see congressional filing deadlines for upcoming elections, click here.
For state-specific congressional filing deadlines, click here.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • The earliest filing deadlines for the 2024 election cycle were in November of 2023 with Alabama on Nov. 10 and Arkansas on Nov. 14. For comparison, the earliest filing deadline for the 2022 election cycle was in Texas on December 13, 2021.
  • The latest filing deadlines for the 2024 election cycle were in September of 2024 with Delaware and North Dakota on Sep. 3. For comparison, the latest filing deadline for the 2022 election cycle was in Louisiana on July 22.
  • In 2024, there were 13 states with the same filing deadline for both partisan and unaffiliated candidates. For comparison, 11 states had a single filing deadline for all candidates in 2022.
  • With 63 days, Delaware had the shortest period between its statewide primary and partisan filing deadline in the 2024 election cycle. Kentucky had the longest period with 137 days. For comparison, Pennsylvania had the shortest period between its statewide primary and partisan filing deadline in the 2022 election cycle with 50 days, and Missouri had the longest period with 126 days.

    • Requirements to run for congressional office

    Federal requirements

    Although specific filing processes are set by the states, the United States Constitution does establish the following qualifications for congressional candidates:[1]

    “ No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.[2] ”

    Federal Election Commission

    The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is the only agency authorized to regulate the financing of federal election campaigns, including campaigns for the United States House of Representatives). The states cannot impose additional requirements on federal candidates. Federal law requires all candidates to file a statement of candidacy within 15 days of receiving contributions or making expenditures that exceed $5,000. The statement of candidacy is the only federally mandated ballot access requirement for congressional candidates; all other ballot access procedures are mandated at the state level. The candidacy statement authorizes "a principal campaign committee to raise and spend funds" on behalf of the candidate. Within 10 days of filing the candidacy statement, the committee must file a statement of organization with the FEC.[3][4]

    State requirements

    See also: Ballot access for major and minor party candidates

    In order to have his or her name printed on an election ballot, a congressional candidate must generally do one or both of the following: collect and file petition signatures or pay registration fees. Requirements vary from state to state and according to the type of candidate (e.g., major party candidate, minor party candidate, independent candidate, etc.). To learn more about specific ballot access requirements, select a state from the map below. If on a mobile device, select a state from the dropdown menu below.

    Click your state Learn more about congressional ballot access in your area.
    http://ballotpedia.org/Ballot_access_requirements_for_political_candidates_in_STATE

    Filing deadlines

    2026

    The following table lists filing deadlines and primary dates for statewide elections in 2026. Please note that dates are subject to change.

    Statewide filing deadlines
    StateElection dateFiling deadlineSource
    AlabamaMay 19, 2026

    Jan. 23, 2026 - Alabama statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    AlaskaAug. 18, 2026

    June 1, 2026 - Alaska statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    ArizonaAug. 4, 2026

    April 6, 2026 - Arizona statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    ArkansasMarch 3, 2026

    Nov. 11, 2025 - Arkansas statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    CaliforniaJune 2, 2026

    March 6, 2026 - California statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    ColoradoJune 30, 2026

    March 18, 2026 - Colorado statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    DelawareSept. 15, 2026

    July 14, 2026 - Delaware statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    FloridaAug. 18, 2026

    April 24, 2026 - Florida statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    GeorgiaMay 19, 2026

    March 6, 2026 - Georgia statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    HawaiiAug. 8, 2026

    June 2, 2026 - Hawaii statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    IllinoisMarch 17, 2026

    Nov. 3, 2025 - Illinois statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    IndianaMay 5, 2026

    Feb. 6, 2026 - Indiana statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    IowaJune 2, 2026

    March 13, 2026 - Iowa statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    KentuckyMay 19, 2026

    Jan. 9, 2026 - Kentucky statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    LouisianaApril 18, 2026

    Jan. 16, 2026 - Louisiana statewide party primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    MarylandJune 23, 2026

    Feb. 24, 2026 - Maryland statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    MichiganAug. 4, 2026

    April 21, 2026 - Michigan statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    MissouriAug. 4, 2026

    March 31, 2026 - Missouri statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    NevadaJune 9, 2026

    March 13, 2026 - Nevada statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    North CarolinaMarch 3, 2026

    Dec. 19, 2025 - North Carolina statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    OhioMay 5, 2026

    Feb. 4, 2026 - Ohio statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    OklahomaJune 16, 2026

    April 3, 2026 - Oklahoma statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    OregonMay 19, 2026

    March 10, 2026 - Oregon statewide primary new candidate filing deadline

    March 3, 2026 - Oregon statewide primary incumbent candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    Rhode IslandSept. 8, 2026

    June 24, 2026 - Rhode Island statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    South DakotaJune 2, 2026

    March 31, 2026 - South Dakota statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    TennesseeAug. 6, 2026

    March 10, 2026 - Tennessee statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    TexasMarch 3, 2026

    Dec. 8, 2025 - Texas statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    VermontAug. 11, 2026

    May 28, 2026 - Vermont statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    WashingtonAug. 4, 2026

    May 8, 2026 - Washington statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    West VirginiaMay 12, 2026

    Jan. 31, 2026 - West Virginia statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source
    WyomingAug. 18, 2026

    May 14, 2026 - Wyoming statewide primary candidate filing deadline

    		Source


    For filing information from previous years, click "[Show more]" below.

    Show more

    2024

    The following table lists filing deadlines and primary dates for statewide elections in 2024. Please note that dates are subject to change.

    Primary dates and filing deadlines, 2024
    State Primary date Primary runoff date Filing deadline for primary candidates Source
    Alabama 3/5/2024 4/16/2024 11/10/2023 Source
    Alaska 8/20/2024 N/A 6/1/2024 Source
    Arizona 7/30/2024 N/A 4/1/2024 Source
    Arkansas 3/5/2024 4/2/2024 11/14/2023 Source
    California 3/5/2024 N/A 12/8/2023 Source
    Colorado 6/25/2024 N/A 3/19/2024 Source
    Connecticut 8/13/2024 N/A 6/11/2024 Source
    Delaware 9/10/2024 N/A 7/9/2024 Source
    Florida 8/20/2024 N/A 4/26/2024[5] Source
    Georgia 5/21/2024 6/18/2024 3/8/2024 Source
    Hawaii 8/10/2024 N/A 6/4/2024 Source
    Idaho 5/21/2024 N/A 3/15/2024 Source
    Illinois 3/19/2024 N/A 12/4/2023 Source
    Indiana 5/7/2024 N/A 2/9/2024 Source
    Iowa 6/4/2024 N/A 3/15/2024[6] Source
    Kansas 8/6/2024 N/A 6/3/2024 Source
    Kentucky 5/21/2024 N/A 1/5/2024 Source
    Louisiana 11/5/2024 N/A 7/19/2024 Source
    Maine 6/11/2024 N/A 3/15/2024 Source
    Maryland 5/14/2024 N/A 2/9/2024 Source
    Massachusetts 9/3/2024 N/A 6/4/2024 Source
    Michigan 8/6/2024 N/A 4/23/2024 Source
    Minnesota 8/13/2024 N/A 6/4/2024 Source
    Mississippi 3/12/2024 4/2/2024 1/12/2024 Source
    Missouri 8/6/2024 N/A 3/26/2024 Source
    Montana 6/4/2024 N/A 3/11/2024 Source
    Nebraska 5/14/2024 N/A 3/1/2024[7] Source
    Nevada 6/11/2024 N/A 3/15/2024[8] Source
    New Hampshire 9/10/2024 N/A 6/14/2024 Source
    New Jersey 6/4/2024 N/A 3/25/2024 Source
    New Mexico 6/4/2024 N/A 2/6/2024[9] Source
    New York 6/25/2024 N/A 4/4/2024 Source
    North Carolina 3/5/2024 5/14/2024 12/15/2023 Source
    North Dakota 6/11/2024 N/A 4/8/2024 Source
    Ohio 3/19/2024 N/A 12/20/2023 Source
    Oklahoma 6/18/2024 8/27/2024 4/5/2024 Source
    Oregon 5/21/2024 N/A 3/12/2024 Source
    Pennsylvania 4/23/2024 N/A 2/13/2024 Source
    Rhode Island 9/10/2024 N/A 6/26/2024 Source
    South Carolina 6/11/2024 6/25/2024 4/1/2024 Source
    South Dakota 6/4/2024 7/30/2024 3/26/2024 Source
    Tennessee 8/1/2024 N/A 4/4/2024 Source
    Texas 3/5/2024 5/28/2024 12/11/2023 Source
    Utah 6/25/2024 N/A 1/8/2024 Source
    Vermont 8/13/2024 N/A 5/30/2024 Source
    Virginia[10] 6/18/2024 N/A 4/4/2024 Source
    Washington 8/6/2024 N/A 5/10/2024 Source
    West Virginia 5/14/2024 N/A 1/27/2024 Source
    Wisconsin 8/13/2024 N/A 6/3/2024 Source
    Wyoming 8/20/2024 N/A 5/31/2024 Source


    2022

    The following table lists filing deadlines and primary dates for statewide elections in 2022. Please note that dates are subject to change.

    Primary dates and filing deadlines, 2022
    State Primary date Primary runoff date Filing deadline for primary candidates Source
    Alabama 5/24/2022 6/21/2022 1/28/2022
    2/11/2022 (congressional)    		 Source
    Alaska 8/16/2022 N/A 6/1/2022 Source
    Arizona 8/2/2022 N/A 4/4/2022 Source
    Arkansas 5/24/2022 6/21/2022 3/1/2022 Source
    California 6/7/2022 N/A 3/11/2022 Source
    Colorado 6/28/2022 N/A 3/15/2022 Source
    Connecticut 8/9/2022 N/A 6/7/2022 Source
    Delaware 9/13/2022 N/A 7/12/2022 Source
    Florida 8/23/2022 N/A 6/17/2022 Source
    Georgia 5/24/2022 6/21/2022 3/11/2022 Source
    Hawaii 8/13/2022 N/A 6/7/2022 Source
    Idaho 5/17/2022 N/A 3/11/2022 Source
    Illinois 6/28/2022 N/A 3/14/2022 Source
    Indiana 5/3/2022 N/A 2/4/2022 Source
    Iowa 6/7/2022 N/A 3/18/2022 Source
    Kansas 8/2/2022 N/A 6/1/2022 Source
    Kentucky 5/17/2022 N/A 1/25/2022 Source
    Louisiana 11/8/2022 N/A 7/22/2022[11] Source
    Maine 6/14/2022 N/A 3/15/2022 Source
    Maryland 7/19/2022 N/A 4/15/2022 Source
    Massachusetts 9/6/2022 N/A 5/31/2022
    6/7/2022 (Congress and statewide office)    		 Source
    Michigan 8/2/2022 N/A 4/19/2022 Source
    Minnesota 8/9/2022 N/A 5/31/2022 Source
    Mississippi 6/7/2022 6/28/2022 3/1/2022 Source
    Missouri 8/2/2022 N/A 3/29/2022 Source
    Montana 6/7/2022 N/A 3/14/2022 Source
    Nebraska 5/10/2022 N/A 2/15/2022 Source
    Nevada 6/14/2022 N/A 3/18/2022 Source
    New Hampshire 9/13/2022 N/A 6/10/2022 Source
    New Jersey 6/7/2022 N/A 4/4/2022 Source
    New Mexico 6/7/2022 N/A 3/24/2022 Source
    New York 6/28/2022; 8/23/2022 (congressional and state senate only) N/A 4/7/2022; 6/10/2022 (congressional and state senate only) Source
    North Carolina 5/17/2022 7/5/2022 (if no federal office is involved); 7/26/2022 (if a federal office is involved) 3/4/2022 Source
    North Dakota 6/14/2022 N/A 4/11/2022 Source
    Ohio 5/3/2022 (Congress and statewide offices)
    8/2/2022 (state legislative offices)    		 N/A 2/2/2022 (U.S. House candidates: 3/4/2022) Source
    Oklahoma 6/28/2022 8/23/2022 4/15/2022 Source
    Oregon 5/17/2022 N/A 3/8/2022 Source
    Pennsylvania 5/17/2022 N/A 3/15/2022 (Congress and statewide offices only)
    3/28/2022 (state legislative candidates)    		 Source
    Source
    Rhode Island 9/13/2022 N/A 7/15/2022 Source
    South Carolina 6/14/2022 6/28/2022 3/30/2022 Source
    South Dakota 6/7/2022 N/A 3/29/2022 Source
    Tennessee 8/4/2022 N/A 4/7/2022 Source
    Texas 3/1/2022 5/24/2022 12/13/2021 Source
    Utah 6/28/2022 N/A 3/4/2022 Source
    Vermont 8/9/2022 N/A 5/26/2022 Source
    Virginia[12] 6/21/2022 N/A 4/7/2022 Source
    Washington 8/2/2022 N/A 5/20/2022 Source
    West Virginia 5/10/2022 N/A 1/29/2022 Source
    Wisconsin 8/9/2022 N/A 6/1/2022 Source
    Wyoming 8/16/2022 N/A 5/27/2022


    The table below lists changes made to election dates and deadlines in the 2022 election cycle. Items are listed in reverse chronological order by date of change, with the most recent change appearing first.

    Record of date and deadline changes, 2022
    State Date of change Description of change Source
    Louisiana 6/6/2022 A federal district court, in striking down the state's congressional redistricting plan, postponed the deadline for candidates qualifying by petition in lieu of paying the filing fee from June 22, 2022, to July 8, 2022. The court's order did not affect the July 22, 2022, deadline for candidates qualifying by paying the filing fee. Source
    Ohio 5/28/2022 Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) called for the state legislative primary to be held on August 2, 2022 (the primary was originally scheduled for May 3, 2022). Source
    New York 5/10/2022 A federal district court judge affirmed the decision of a state-level judge to postpone the primaries for congressional and state senate offices to August 23, 2022 (the primary was originally scheduled for June 28, 2022). The state court then issued an order establishing new candidate filing deadlines. Source; Source
    Pennsylvania 3/16/2022 The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania fixed March 28, 2022, as the filing deadline for General Assembly candidates. Source
    Maryland 3/15/2022 The Maryland Court of Appeals postponed the primary election from June 28, 2022, to July 19, 2022. The court also extended the filing deadline from March 22, 2022, to April 15, 2022. Source
    Massachusetts 2/14/2022 Governor Charlie Baker (R) signed a bill into law that rescheduled the state's primary election from September 20, 2022, to September 6, 2022. Source
    Ohio 5/28/2022 Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R), in response to a federal court order, directed that the primary for state legislative offices be held on August 2, 2022. Source
    Utah 2/14/2022 Governor Spencer Cox (R) signed SB170 into law, moving the candidate filing deadline to March 4, 2022. The original filing deadline was set for March 11, 2022. Source
    Maryland 2/11/2022 The Maryland Court of Appeals extended the candidate filing deadline from February 22, 2022, to March 22, 2022. Source
    Pennsylvania 2/9/2022 The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania suspended the candidate filing period for the primary election, pending resolution of a redistricting dispute. The original filing deadline was set for March 8, 2022. The court later fixed March 15, 2022, as the filing deadline for statewide offices and the U.S. Congress. Source
    Alabama 1/24/2022 The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama postponed the filing deadline for primary congressional candidates from January 28, 2022, to February 11, 2022. Source
    Kentucky 1/6/2022 Governor Andy Beshear (D) signed HB172 into law, extending the filing deadline for partisan candidates from January 7, 2022, to January 25, 2022. Source
    North Carolina 12/8/2021 The Supreme Court of North Carolina ordered the postponement of the statewide primary, originally scheduled for March 8, 2022, to May 17, 2022. The court also suspended candidate filing, which subsequently resumed on February 24, 2022, and concluded on March 4, 2022. Source
    North Carolina 2/9/2022 The North Carolina State Board of Elections announced that candidate filing, having been suspended by the state supreme court in December 2021, would resume on February 24, 2022, and conclude on March 4, 2022. Source

    2020

    See below for partisan and unaffiliated candidate filing deadlines by state for 2020. States are listed in alphabetical order. Empty cells indicate situations where we have not yet been able to determine an exact date. We will update this information as soon as possible.

    2018

    See below for candidate filing deadlines by state for 2018. States are listed in alphabetical order.

    Alabama
    February 9, 2018

    Alaska
    June 1, 2018

    Arizona
    May 30, 2018

    Arkansas
    March 1, 2018

    California
    March 9, 2018

    Colorado
    March 20, 2018

    Connecticut
    June 12, 2018

    Delaware
    July 10, 2018

    Florida
    May 4, 2018

    Georgia
    March 9, 2018

    Hawaii
    June 5, 2018

    Idaho
    March 9, 2018

    Illinois
    December 4, 2017

    Indiana
    February 9, 2018

    Iowa
    March 16, 2018

    Kansas
    June 1, 2018

    Kentucky
    January 30, 2018

    Louisiana
    July 20, 2018

    Maine
    March 15, 2018

    Maryland
    February 27, 2018

    Massachusetts
    June 5, 2018

    Michigan
    April 24, 2018

    Minnesota
    June 5, 2018

    Mississippi
    March 1, 2018

    Missouri
    March 27, 2018

    Montana
    March 12, 2018

    Nebraska
    March 1, 2018

    Nevada
    March 16, 2018

    New Hampshire
    June 15, 2018

    New Jersey
    April 2, 2018

    New Mexico
    March 13, 2018

    New York
    April 12, 2018

    North Carolina
    February 28, 2018

    North Dakota
    April 9, 2018

    Ohio
    February 7, 2018

    Oklahoma
    April 13, 2018

    Oregon
    March 6, 2018

    Pennsylvania
    March 20, 2018

    Rhode Island
    June 27, 2018

    South Carolina
    March 30, 2018

    South Dakota
    March 27, 2018

    Tennessee
    April 5, 2018

    Texas
    December 11, 2017

    Utah
    March 15, 2018

    Vermont
    May 31, 2018

    Virginia
    March 29, 2018

    Washington
    May 18, 2018

    West Virginia
    January 27, 2018

    Wisconsin
    June 1, 2018

    Wyoming
    June 1, 2018

    State-specific filing deadlines

    To learn more about filing deadlines in specific states, select a state from the list below.

    See also

    Footnotes

    1. ↑ National Archives, "The Constitution of the United States: A Transcription," accessed December 7, 2012
    2. ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
    3. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "The FEC and Federal Campaign Finance Law," updated January 2015
    4. ↑ Federal Election Commission, "Quick Answers to Candidate Questions," accessed August 13, 2015
    5. ↑ This deadline was for the following offices: U.S. Congress, state attorney, public defender, state supreme court, district appeals court, circuit court. The filing deadline for state senator, state representative, county office, and special districts was 6/14/2024.
    6. ↑ This deadline was for U.S. Congress and state offices. The filing deadline for county offices was 3/22/2024.
    7. ↑ This filing deadline is for non-incumbents. Incumbents must file by 2/15/2024.
    8. ↑ This filing deadline is for non-judicial candidates. The filing deadline for judicial candidates was 1/12/2024.
    9. ↑ This deadline was for candidates seeking pre-primary designation. The filing deadline for all other candidates was 3/12/2024.
    10. ↑ In Virginia, the Democratic and Republican parties form committees to decide on the method of nomination used for congressional races. These non-primary methods of nomination may take place on a date other than the statewide primary.
    11. ↑ A federal district court, in striking down the state's congressional redistricting plan, postponed the deadline for candidates qualifying by petition in lieu of paying the filing fee from June 22, 2022, to July 8, 2022. The court's order did not affect the July 22, 2022, deadline for candidates qualifying by paying the filing fee.
    12. ↑ In Virginia, the Democratic and Republican parties form committees to decide on the method of nomination used for congressional races. These non-primary methods of nomination may take place on a date other than the statewide primary.
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