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Run for Office in Harris County
What each office requires, when to file, treasurer rules, and the literal steps to get on the ballot. Every deadline is real. Every rule is Texas law.
2026 Election Deadlines
Deadline
Party primary filing opens
Dec 9, 2025
⭐ Key Date
Party primary filing closes
Jan 2, 2026 (6 PM)
Deadline
Voter registration deadline (Primary)
Feb 2, 2026
Deadline
Early voting begins (Primary)
Feb 17, 2026
⭐ Key Date
Primary Election Day
Mar 3, 2026
Deadline
Runoff filing (if needed)
Check with party chair
Deadline
Primary Runoff Election Day
May 26, 2026
Deadline
Independent filing deadline
~May/June 2026
⭐ Key Date
General Election Day
Nov 3, 2026
Campaign Treasurer Rules — Read Before Anything Else
Texas Election Code. Violations carry civil penalties up to $5,000 per offense.
- 1
The CTA (Campaign Treasurer Appointment) must be filed with TEC before accepting any contribution or making any expenditure — including from your own pocket.
- 2
Your treasurer must be a Texas resident. You can appoint yourself as your own treasurer.
- 3
Once appointed, your treasurer's name and address become public record on TEC's website.
- 4
If you replace your treasurer, file a new CTA. The old treasurer remains liable for reports during their period.
- 5
If you close your campaign, file Form COH (Certificate of Dissolution) with TEC after distributing remaining funds per Texas law. Remaining funds cannot go to personal use.
- 6
All bank accounts must be in the committee's name, not your personal name.
Step-by-Step: How to Get on the Ballot
Click each step to expand. These apply to Texas party primaries — the path most Harris County candidates take.
Before anything else: verify you meet every requirement for the office you want. Age, residency, and registration rules vary by office. Some — like County Judge — require a law license. Get this wrong and your filing gets rejected.
What Each Office Requires
County Commissioner
Qualifications
Voter registered in Harris County. Texas resident.
How to File
Party primary
4 precincts. Pcts 1 & 2 are D-leaning; Pcts 3 & 4 lean R.
County Judge
Qualifications
Licensed TX attorney OR 4 years serving as judge or practicing law in TX.
How to File
Party primary
Presides over Commissioners Court and serves as a court of law.
District Clerk / County Clerk / Treasurer
Qualifications
Registered voter in Harris County.
How to File
Party primary
Sheriff
Qualifications
Age 18+. High school diploma or GED. US citizen. No felony conviction.
How to File
Party primary
Tax Assessor-Collector
Qualifications
Registered voter in Harris County.
How to File
Party primary
Justice of the Peace / Constable
Qualifications
Registered voter in the specific precinct.
How to File
Party primary
8 JP precincts in Harris County. Must live in the precinct you seek.
Before you file — know the landscape
Deadlines and fees are subject to change. Verify all dates with the Texas Secretary of State, Texas Ethics Commission, and the relevant party chair. Nothing here is legal advice.