How to Run for Office in California
Getting on the Ballot
California splits election responsibilities between the Secretary of State, who oversees elections and maintains candidate filings for state offices, and the county elections official or city clerk, where most candidates actually file their paperwork. Candidates file a declaration of candidacy and nomination documents during the nomination period with their county elections office (or city clerk for city offices).
State legislative and congressional races use California's top-two primary: all candidates for an office appear on a single primary ballot regardless of party, and the two highest vote-getters - even from the same party - advance to the general election. Most city, county, school, and special-district offices are nonpartisan.
Filing fees apply to many offices, but California allows candidates to submit signatures in lieu of the filing fee, with each valid signature reducing the fee proportionally.
Where Local Candidates File
Local candidates file candidacy paperwork with the county elections official (often titled the Registrar of Voters) or, for city offices, the city clerk. The same local filing officer typically receives your campaign disclosure statements and your Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests. County election offices publish candidate guides each cycle and are the best first phone call for any local race.
Worth Knowing
- Before you raise or spend a single dollar - including your own money - you must file a Form 501 (Candidate Intention Statement) with your filing officer. This trips up more first-time California candidates than any other rule.
- Once you raise or spend $2,000, you must open a campaign committee (Form 410, filed with the Secretary of State) and maintain a separate campaign bank account.
- Campaign finance is regulated by the FPPC, an independent commission - not the Secretary of State. The FPPC publishes plain-language candidate toolkits and runs a free advice line ((866) 275-3772) and email advice service; when in doubt, ask them and keep the answer in writing.
- Candidates for state offices who want a candidate statement in the official voter information guide must accept a voluntary expenditure ceiling.
- Many jurisdictions now require electronic filing of campaign statements - confirm your filing officer's system before your first deadline.
Official California Resources
Filing deadlines, fees, and signature requirements change from cycle to cycle. Always confirm current details with the official sources below.
This page was last reviewed on August 3, 2026. Process details above are believed current as of that date; deadlines and fees should always be verified with your election office.