STEP 1
The time commitment
Estimates vary by race, but nearly every candidate says it took more time than they expected.
Local races (school board, city council): 15 to 25 hours a week
For three to six months. More in the final six weeks.
County and state legislative races: 30 to 50 hours a week
Often for nine months to a year, including a primary.
Congressional and statewide races: a full-time job and then some
Most serious candidates spend 18 months or more, many stepping away from work.
Call time: 2 to 4 hours a day for larger races
Personally calling people and asking them for money. It is the single biggest predictor of whether you can fund your race.
Block walking: several evenings and every weekend
Knocking on doors yourself is the most persuasive thing a candidate can do.
Events: nights and weekends
Club meetings, forums, National Night Out, festivals, church events and parades.
What you give up
No vacations
Plan on canceling trips from the day you announce until Election Day.
Very few days off
Weekends are your busiest days. Holidays are often events.
Less family time
Talk with your spouse, children and employer before you decide. Their support matters.
Asking for money, over and over
Friends, family, coworkers and strangers. If you cannot ask, you need to learn to or you will struggle.
Public scrutiny
Your record, social media, finances and past will be examined. Opponents may say unfair things.
You might lose
Most first time candidates do. Be ready to run again or to be proud of the effort.
STEP 2
The cost commitment
Many first time candidates underestimate costs. These are rough ranges; your race may differ.
Filing fee or petition
Texas fees range from nothing for many local races to several thousand dollars for statewide office. Some races allow a petition instead.
Local races: roughly $5,000 to $50,000
Signs, push cards, a website, mail and a few digital ads.
State House and Senate: roughly $100,000 to well over $1 million
Competitive seats cost far more.
Congress: often $1 million to several million
Mostly mail, TV, digital and staff.
Hidden costs
Lost income from time off work, travel, gas, food for volunteers, event tickets and childcare.
Your own money
Decide in advance how much, if any, you are willing to put in. Many candidates regret not setting a limit.
STEP 3
Do you know people for the important jobs?
No candidate wins alone. Before you announce, think about who will fill each of these roles.
Campaign treasurer (required)
Must be named before you raise or spend a dollar. Tracks every contribution and files reports. Pick someone detail oriented.
Campaign manager
Runs day to day so you can focus on voters and donors. On small races this may be a trusted volunteer.
Finance chair or fundraising help
Opens doors to donors and keeps call time on schedule.
Field or volunteer coordinator
Recruits block walkers, phone bankers and poll greeters.
Communications help
Social media, website, press releases, photos and mail design.
Data person
Manages voter lists, walk lists and contact tracking.
Kitchen cabinet
Five to ten people who believe in you, will give, will ask others to give and will tell you the truth.
Election day team
Poll workers, poll greeters and drivers for early voting and Election Day.
CHECKPOINT
Can you say yes to all of this?
If you can check every box, you are ready to take the next step.
I can state in one sentence why I am running
And why I am the right person for this seat now.
My family and employer support this
I have talked to them honestly about the time involved.
I know my budget and have a plan to raise it
I have a list of at least 100 people I can personally ask.
I have a treasurer and a core team
Or at least know who I will ask.
I meet the legal qualifications
Age, residency, voter registration and any other requirements for the office.
I am ready to do the hard parts
Call time, block walking and asking for votes and money.
STEP 4
How to file to run for office in Texas
Once you have decided you can do all of the above, here is the general order of steps.
1. Confirm the office, election date and filing deadline
Party primaries in Texas are in March, with filing usually from mid November to early December the year before. Many local races (school board, city) are in May or November, with filing roughly two to three months before.
2. Check your eligibility
Review the qualifications for the office: age, how long you have lived in the state and district, and voter registration.
3. Appoint your campaign treasurer
File an Appointment of Campaign Treasurer with the Texas Ethics Commission or with the local filing authority (for local races, usually the school district or city secretary). You must do this before accepting contributions or spending money.
4. Choose your committee name
This is the name in your political advertising disclaimer, for example Melissa for Congress.
5. Open a campaign bank account
Keep campaign money separate from personal money.
6. File your application for a place on the ballot
Party candidates file with the county or state party chair. Independent and local candidates file with the county, city, school district or Secretary of State, depending on the office.
7. Pay the filing fee or submit a petition
Check the exact fee and signature count for your office before you file.
8. Calendar your campaign finance reports
Reports are due on set dates before and after the election. Missing one can bring fines.
9. Add the disclaimer to everything
Signs, mail, websites and ads need a political advertising disclaimer.
This is general information, not legal advice. Fees, deadlines and forms change. Always confirm details with the Texas Secretary of State, the Texas Ethics Commission, and your local filing authority.
Ready to get organized?
Compass Campaign helps you track every relationship, voter and volunteer from day one.