Secretary of State David Scanlan reminds individuals interested in running for federal, state, or county office that the candidate filing period is June 3–12, 2026.

Democratic and Republican candidates running in the State Primary Election must file a Declaration of Candidacy and Statement of Financial Interests (RSA 15-A) and pay the administrative fee. In lieu of the administrative fee, candidates may submit the Declaration of Candidacy along with the required Primary Petitions and an Assent to Candidacy, as specified on the Secretary of State’s website.

Candidates running for Governor, U.S. Senate, Congress, Executive Council, NH Senate, and county office must file with the Secretary of State’s Office. Candidates running for State Representative or Delegate to the Republican State Convention may file with their local town or city clerk’s office or with the Secretary of State’s Office. On the last day of the filing period — June 12 — candidates must file in person by 5:00 p.m.

Third-party candidates

Third-party candidates or political organizations seeking placement on the General Election ballot must file a Declaration of Intent with the Secretary of State’s Office and pay the required administrative fee during the filing period. On the last day of the filing period — June 12 — candidates and political organizations must file in person by 5:00 p.m.

Candidates submitting Declarations of Intent must also submit signed nomination papers, as specified on the Secretary of State’s website, to the supervisors of the checklist in each town or city by 5:00 p.m. on August 5, 2026. The supervisors of the checklist have until 5:00 p.m. on August 26 to certify the nomination papers. Third-party candidates and political organizations are responsible for filing the certified nomination papers with the Secretary of State’s Office by 5:00 p.m. on September 2.

For more information on qualifications for office, filing fees, and other requirements, visit the Secretary of State’s website.