The filing period for the 2026 State Election is June 3 – June 12, 2026.

The 2026 State Primary Election is September 8, 2026. For more information, visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.nh.gov/elections

CONCORD, NH –  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 for the State Primary Election must file a Declaration of Candidacy and Statement of Financial Interests (RSA 15-A) and pay the administrative fee, or, in lieu of the administrative fee, candidates may submit the Declaration of Candidacy along with the required Primary Petitions accompanied by 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 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 who want their names placed 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 September 2 at 5:00 p.m. 

For more information on qualifications for office, filing fees and other requirements, visit www.sos.nh.gov/elections/candidates. 

###