Each state has its own rules for running for governor. Below are the general steps you should take.

  • Running for governor of a state requires candidates to follow the schedule and rules as set forth through the secretary of state’s office. Candidates can begin campaigning as “official” candidates only after their declaration of candidacy has been accepted by the secretary of state’s office. However, the campaign and fundraising can begin a year or more before that. A candidate’s guide outlining dates, deadlines, and required forms is released the year prior to the final election date.
  • Check the party affiliation stated on the candidate’s certificate of voter registration. Candidates for governor run under the party affiliation listed on this certificate. Verify the deadline for changing party affiliation.
  • If you were ever convicted of a felony, obtain a pardon or certificate from the governor’s office. Persons convicted of a felony must provide a certificate proving the completion of their sentence and receive a certificate or pardon from the governor’s office restoring their rights to full state citizenship.
  • Check the status of the candidate’s state residency and the age of the candidate. Candidates for governor must be 30 years of age or older and be a continuous resident of the state the preceding five years prior to the election.
  • Obtain a copy of the candidate’s guide from the secretary of state’s office. These guides can be found online or by calling the Bureau of Elections in your state.
  • Obtain a nominating petition form from the secretary of state’s (SOS) office, and gather qualifying signatures as required. This process can begin up to a year prior to election day. Check with the secretary of state’s office for the date the nominating petition form is available.
  • Build a campaign team and begin fundraising. Campaigning and fundraising can begin before declaring candidacy, although campaign financing rules do apply.
  • File a declaration of candidacy and a completed nominating petition form with the state secretary’s office either in person or by someone with written and notarized authority to represent the candidate. Declaration of candidacy occurs on a particular date–verify the date with the SOS’s office.
  • File all three required campaign spending reports prior to the primary election as requested by the SOS’s office.
  • Run and win a campaign focused on the issues, but directed toward political party candidacy. Primary elections are held three to four months prior to the final election for each major political party in the state. Minor parties choose their candidates according to their rules and regulations and according to the rules of the “Election Code.” Only those winning their primary election will be placed on the the final election ballot.
  • File the fourth campaign spending report required after the primary. All reports are filed with the state secretary’s office and are time sensitive–verify the due dates.
  • File all three campaign spending reports prior to the general election. These are separate reports from those filed during the primary season. Verify the deadline dates with the SOS’s office.
  • Campaign and raise funds with the assistance of the candidate’s campaign team. Follow all fund-raising rules and regulations.
  • Vote on election day.
  • File the final campaign spending report with the SOS’s office.