Overview
Local offices, and State Court offices, are open for candidate nomination. The contests are non-partisan, and party affiliation is not provided by election officials.
Questions and answers
How to apply to be a candidate
Simply complete the Candidate Application Form to receive your documents from the Elections Department, and then file your documents by the applicable deadline.
This candidate guide provides information on how and when to complete your documents, as well as information about campaign financing, and political disclosures.
State Law Regarding Confidentiality of Elected Officials and Candidates
Personal information of candidates and elected officials will be kept confidential unless they wish to opt out. Though there are exceptions for legitimate journalistic or governmental purposes, any request to view candidate documents will have personal information redacted.
Candidates must decide confidential status when filing their nomination documents.
How are November candidates elected?
A local candidate need only receive more votes than other candidates to win outright.
A majority (50% + 1) of all votes cast is not necessary to win in the General election.
When will elected candidates take office?
No matter if your election was in June or November, the ‘swearing in’ dates are as follows:
U.S. Representative in Congress will take office on January 3, 2027. U.S. Const., amend. XX, §§ 1-2
State Officers including Governor will take office on January 4, 2027. Cal. Const., Art. V, §§ 2, 11
State Senate & State Assembly will take office on December 7, 2026. Cal. Const., Art. IV, § 2(a)(1)(3)
Superior Court Judges will take office on January 4, 2027. Cal. Const., Art. VI, § 16(c)
County elected officials will take office on January 4, 2027. Gov’t. Code § 24200
School District officials will take office on December 11, 2026. Education Code § 5017
Special District officials will take office on December 4, 2026. Elec. Code § 10554
Municipal Candidates must contact the respective town/city clerk for information. Elections Code § 10554