Community News

Candidate Filing Period for the 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election Begins February 9

 

by: Aimara Freeman
Published: February 4, 2026

 

SANTA ANA... Starting Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, individuals interested in running for one of 42 federal, state and county offices up for election in the 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election can begin the candidate filing process online or at the Registrar of Voters office.

Eligible citizens are encouraged to visit ocvote.gov/candidates to download and complete their candidacy documents before filing them in person at the Registrar of Voters office. Additional online resources include the ability to schedule a candidate filing appointment, a detailed Candidate Handbook, a frequently asked questions section and a candidate filing log.

The Registrar of Voters also issues candidacy documents at its office located at 1300 S. Grand Ave., Building C, Santa Ana, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment. Candidates must file completed forms in person at this office no later than 5 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026.

To view the full list of eligible offices for the 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election, visit ocvote.gov/elections/2026-statewide-direct-primary-election. For general qualifications to run and hold office, visit ocvote.gov/candidates/running-for-office-general-qualifications.

For more information about the 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election or for more candidate filing resources, visit ocvote.gov/candidates or call 714-567-7600.