The Downballot's 2026 election calendar

Find the dates for every filing deadline, primary, and runoff for the November midterms in all 50 states—and much more

Click on column headers to sort.

Note: Filing deadlines are for primary ballot access in regularly scheduled elections. They apply only to major-party candidates seeking congressional or statewide office, with exceptions noted below. Independent and third-party candidates, or contests for other offices, may be subject to different deadlines.

All dates pertain to the Nov. 3, 2026, elections. Some jurisdictions may conduct elections for state or local office on other dates.

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RUNOFFS

• Primary runoffs between the top two vote-getters may take place in some states if no candidate receives over a certain threshold of the vote in the primary:

  • 30% in North Carolina (only if requested by the runner-up)

  • 35% in South Dakota

  • 50% in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas

• General election runoffs between the top two vote-getters may take place in some states if no candidate receives a majority in the general election:

  • In Georgia on Dec. 1

  • In Louisiana on Dec. 12

  • In Mississippi on Dec. 1

FILING DEADLINES

• California’s filing deadline is extended to Mar. 11 in races where no incumbent files for reelection.

• Florida’s filing deadline for candidates running for the U.S. House, statewide executive office, state legislature, or county office is Jun. 12.

• Louisiana allows candidates to qualify for the primary ballot either by submitting signatures by Jan. 14, or by paying a filing fee and submitting paperwork by Feb. 13.

• Massachusetts requires federal or statewide candidates to file with local election officials by May 5 and again with the secretary of the commonwealth by Jun. 2. (For other non-federal candidates, the respective deadlines are Apr. 28 and May 26.) The first step is therefore necessary but not sufficient for candidates to appear on the primary ballot.

• Missouri’s filing deadline is extended to Apr. 10 in races where a candidate withdraws within two business days of the Mar. 31 deadline.

• Nebraska’s filing deadline for incumbents, regardless of whether they seek reelection or another office, is Feb. 17. The filing deadline for non-incumbents is March 2.

• New Mexico requires candidates for statewide office or the U.S. House to file with the secretary of state by Feb. 3. Such candidates must then obtain at least 20% of the vote at their party’s convention, which must be held by March 8. Candidates who fail to meet this threshold may submit additional signatures by either Mar. 10 or 10 days following the convention, whichever is later. The first step is therefore necessary but not sufficient for candidates to appear on the primary ballot. Candidates for all other offices must file by Mar. 10.

• Oregon’s filing deadline for incumbents seeking reelection is Mar. 3. The filing deadline for non-incumbents is Mar. 10.

• Rhode Island requires candidates to file their names with election officials by Jun. 24. They must then file signatures by Jul 12. The first step is therefore necessary but not sufficient for candidates to appear on the primary ballot.

• Texas’ filing deadline is extended to Dec. 13 in several cases, including when an incumbent withdraws on the day of or the day after the regular filing deadline (Dec. 8).

• Utah’s filing deadline for U.S. House candidates is Mar. 13. The state requires candidates to file a declaration of candidacy with election officials by Jan. 8, then either submit sufficient signatures on Apr. 11 (two weeks prior to their party’s convention) or win sufficient support at their party’s convention. (Both Democrats and Republicans will hold conventions on Apr. 25.) The first step is therefore necessary but not sufficient for candidates to appear on the primary ballot.

CONVENTIONS

• Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, and Utah parties typically conduct conventions prior to their primaries that can impact primary ballot access.

• Indiana, Michigan, and South Dakota parties select nominees for downballot statewide office (such as attorney general and secretary of state) at conventions.

• Iowa parties conduct conventions to select nominees if no candidate receives over 35% of the vote in the primary.

• Minnesota parties conduct conventions after which candidates who fail to win their party’s endorsement often (but not always) drop out. These conventions do not impact primary ballot access.

• Virginia parties, at their discretion, may select nominees at conventions rather than via primaries.

Sources: The Green Papers, NCSL, FEC, state elections sites and statutes