Run for Office

Running for office is your right and your responsibility. Follow these steps in order. Each step links to the official source you need.

1. Choose an office

Decide the office and its level: local, state or federal.
Note the term length, the district and the next election date.

2. Check eligibility

U.S. House: at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for 7 years, and a resident of the state you represent (U.S. Constitution, Art. I, Sec. 2).
U.S. Senate: at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for 9 years, and a resident of the state you represent (Art. I, Sec. 3).
President: at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and a U.S. resident for 14 years (Art. II, Sec. 1).
State and local offices: requirements vary. Check your state's election office in the table below.

3. File as a candidate

Find your state's filing deadline and the forms required.
Expect a statement of candidacy plus either petition signatures or a filing fee.
Federal candidates file FEC Form 2 (Statement of Candidacy) within 15 days of raising or spending more than $5,000. Source: fec.gov.

4. Set up campaign finance

Committee and treasurer: Federal candidates register a principal campaign committee on FEC Form 1 within 10 days of filing Form 2. State candidates register with the state campaign-finance agency listed below.
Bank account: Open a separate account in the committee's name. Do not mix campaign and personal funds.
Reporting: File every contribution and expense report on time. Federal rules are at fec.gov; state rules are with your state agency.

5. Get on the ballot

Submit all paperwork, signatures and fees before the deadline.
Confirm with the election office that your name is certified for the ballot.

6. Campaign and comply

Meet voters, state your positions and ask for support.
Follow disclaimer, contribution-limit and ethics rules for your office.

7. Election Day and after

Know where results are posted and how certification works.
File your post-election finance reports. Close or continue your committee as the rules require.

Interested in running?

Are you a member interested in running for local, state or federal office? Tell us a little about yourself and the office you have in mind, and our organizers will follow up.