Today is the first day for candidates to file for the May 2026 primary election.

With recent changes to filing deadlines because of House Bill 4024, Secretary of State Tobias Read is working to ensure every Oregonian knows how to participate in the process.

“Running for office is a powerful way to make a difference in your community, and I want to make sure every Oregonian has an equal opportunity to throw their hat in the ring,” said Secretary Read. “While potential candidates have several months to file for the May 2026 primary election, I don’t recommend waiting until the last minute. Nobody wants to be left off a ballot because of a bureaucratic deadline.”

Today, September 11, is the first day candidates may file their declaration of candidacy or nominating petition for the May 2026 primary election.

Candidates will want to pay special attention to the new filing deadlines created by HB 4024:

• Elected incumbents seeking re-election to the same office must file their declaration of candidacy or nominating petition at least seven days before the applicable filing deadline for non-incumbent candidates.
• For the 2026 primary election in May, that means the deadline to file for office for elected incumbents seeking re-election is March 3, 2026.
• All other candidates, including appointed incumbents, must file by March 10, 2026.

These changes are reflected in the State Candidate Manual; the County, City and District Candidate Manual; and filing forms created by the Elections Division.

Any candidate with questions about this change may contact the Oregon Secretary of State’s Elections Division.