Become A Candidate

Deciding to run for office is an important and impactful choice. Campaigning takes time and effort, and can mean sacrificing moments with your family, friends, and career. Before taking this significant step, it's crucial to fully understand what's involved. You'll need to conduct thorough research to ensure you're filing all necessary information with the appropriate election authorities, and you'll need to consider carefully what it takes to run an effective, principled campaign.

Some elected offices are partisan and require Libertarian candidates to participate in our convention nomination process. Libertarian nominees for partisan offices must be approved directly by the members of our local Libertarian Party at convention. Other races, such as city council or school board positions, are non-partisan.

While the Libertarian Party of Harris County does not participate in partisan primaries, we may selectively endorse candidates in non-partisan elections. Such endorsements are carefully considered and generally reserved for individuals who clearly align with our core values and the Libertarian platform.

If you're chosen as a Libertarian candidate, we will proudly stand beside you, providing the support we can to help you effectively promote liberty, responsibility, and individual rights during your campaign.

Unlike the major parties, the Libertarian Party of Texas selects its candidates through a series of conventions rather than taxpayer-funded primaries. In Harris County and across Texas, Libertarian candidates are nominated at party conventions governed by Robert’s Rules of Order (formal parliamentary procedure). Here’s how the process works:

Convention System (No Primary): The Libertarian Party holds a precinct convention, followed by a county convention, (and for multi-county districts, a district convention), and finally the state convention where statewide candidates are chosen. These conventions usually begin in mid-March of the election year – about a week after the major-party primary elections – and conclude by late spring. At each level, party members (delegates) vote to nominate candidates for the offices relevant to that jurisdiction. Important: To participate in these conventions (as a voter or nominee), you must not have voted in another party’s primary that year.

Being aware of election dates and filing deadlines is crucial for a successful candidacy. Below is an overview of the key dates for the upcoming election cycles, along with guidance on where to find the official information:

Texas Secretary of State Election Calendar: The Texas Secretary of State (SOS) publishes an election calendar each cycle, which includes all major dates and deadlines. This is an essential resource; you can find it on the SOS website at sos.state.tx.us (look for the “Important Election Dates” page). Always refer to the latest Candidate’s Guide for up-to-date deadlines.

Uniform Election Dates: Texas has two uniform election dates each year – one in May and one in November – when elections can be held. For example:

• May 3, 2025: Uniform Local Election date; filing for local offices typically opens in January 2025 and closes by mid-February 2025.
• November 4, 2025: General Election Day for special elections and statewide constitutional amendments. Special elections have their own filing deadlines.

2026 Primary & Convention Season: In 2026, expect:
March 3, 2026: Texas Primary Election Day (Libertarian precinct conventions may occur in the evening or about a week after).
County conventions in Harris County will occur later in March 2026.
April 2026: The Libertarian Party of Texas State Convention is expected in spring 2026.

Filing Deadlines for 2026: To participate in the nomination process, you must file your candidate application and fee/petition by December 2025. The window is expected to open in November 2025 and close at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025. For example, in the 2024 cycle, the filing deadline was December 11, 2023. Missing the deadline means you cannot be placed on the general election ballot as a Libertarian nominee.

General Election 2026: November 3, 2026 is General Election Day. If you secure the Libertarian nomination, your name will appear on the ballot as the Libertarian candidate for that office.

Where to Find Updates: For official information, refer to the Texas Secretary of State’s website (sos.state.tx.us) and maintain contact with LPTexas and LPHarris for updates.

Candidates must follow ethics rules and disclose campaign finances to ensure transparency. These requirements vary depending on whether you’re running for a state/local office or a federal office, but compliance is crucial.

Texas Campaign Finance (State/County Candidates): If you’re running for a state or local office in Texas (e.g., county commissioner, state legislature, etc.), you fall under the jurisdiction of the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) for campaign finance reporting.

Campaign Treasurer Appointment (CTA): Every candidate must file a Form CTA (Appointment of Campaign Treasurer) from the Texas Ethics Commission website. For a county office, file it with the Harris County Elections office; for a state office, file with the TEC in Austin. This filing must occur before raising or spending money or announcing your candidacy. Once filed, the TEC will assign you a filer ID and you’ll be responsible for ongoing reports.

Periodic Financial Reports: Candidates are required to file periodic campaign finance reports disclosing contributions and expenditures. The TEC publishes annual filing schedules for candidates – mark these deadlines on your calendar as late filings can incur fines. If you cease campaigning, you must file a final report to formally end your campaign with the TEC.

Texas Ethics – Personal Financial Statement (PFS): Certain offices require candidates to file a Personal Financial Statement that discloses your financial interests. State office candidates must file an annual PFS with the TEC, usually by April 30 (with a possible extension to June 30 upon request). Local office requirements may vary – check with your local filing authority.

TEC Resources: Review the candidate guides and forms on the TEC website for all necessary information. If in doubt, contact the TEC for assistance.

If you are aiming for a federal office (U.S. House or U.S. Senate), a different set of rules applies, overseen by federal authorities. Once you decide to run for Congress as a Libertarian, you must register your campaign with the appropriate federal agency.

You will need to file the necessary forms (such as a Statement of Candidacy and a Statement of Organization) and establish an authorized campaign committee with a designated treasurer. After registration, you are required to file regular campaign finance reports detailing contributions and expenditures. Federal candidates must also adhere to contribution limits and other rules to ensure transparency and proper use of campaign funds.

The Libertarian Party holds its candidates to a high standard when it comes to principles and messaging. As a Libertarian nominee, you represent the party’s philosophy of liberty. Running a principled campaign means adhering to the core values of individual freedom, limited government, and voluntary interactions.

Your platform should consistently emphasize these principles – promoting economic freedom, defending gun rights, ensuring free speech, advocating for school choice, and supporting criminal justice reform. Consistency is crucial, as delegates may vote for “None of the Above” if no candidate embodies these values.

This section outlines the steps to transform from an interested potential candidate to an officially nominated Libertarian candidate. Use this as a checklist to ensure you complete every critical step:

1. Make Your Decision and Commit: Confirm your decision to run by discussing it with your family and supporters, and clearly identify the office for which you are running.
2. Contact the Party: Reach out to the Libertarian Party of Harris County (LPHarris) via [email protected] and to the Libertarian Party of Texas (LPTexas) for guidance. Early communication will ensure you receive candidate orientation, training, and updates.
3. File Your Campaign Treasurer Appointment: Download and complete Form CTA (Appointment of Campaign Treasurer) from the Texas Ethics Commission website. File it with your local filing authority for county offices or with TEC for state offices before raising or spending campaign funds.
4. Prepare Your Messaging and Materials: Draft a campaign announcement statement, outline your platform, and prepare your outreach materials. Establish an online presence via a website or social media, ensuring that you include required disclaimers.
5. Complete the Official Candidate Application and Filing Fee/Petition: Obtain the Candidate Application for Nomination by Convention from the Texas Secretary of State website. Complete the application, sign it before a notary, and file it along with your fee or petition by the December deadline.
6. Campaign for the Nomination: Engage with Libertarian Party members by attending precinct and county conventions, candidate training events, and other party meetings. Build a base of support among delegates.
7. Secure the Nomination: At the convention, win the delegate vote to earn your nomination. Remember, delegates may vote for “None of the Above” if they feel no candidate meets the party’s standards.
8. After Nomination – General Election Campaign: Once nominated, shift your focus to the general election campaign. Continue to meet ethics requirements, file campaign finance reports, and leverage the party network (LPTexas and LPHarris) to amplify your message.
9. Continue Learning and Adjusting: Seek mentorship from past Libertarian candidates and participate in candidate training webinars to refine your approach.
10. Keep Communication Open with the Party: Maintain regular contact with party officials throughout your campaign, promptly responding to communications and participating in candidate events.

By following these steps, you will be well-prepared to run an effective and principled campaign that upholds Libertarian values and offers voters a true choice.