The filing period to run in the 2026 primary elections is now open, according to Harris County officials. Here are the positions that will be on the March 2026 ballot.

What we know

According to the Texas Secretary of State, the filing period for individuals seeking to run for public office in the March 2026 primary elections opened Nov. 8. In Harris County, several local races will be on the ballot on top of races for state representative and state senator, including:
  • District Clerk
  • County Clerk
  • County Treasurer
  • County School Trustee, Position 5, at-large
  • County School Trustee, Position 7, at-large
  • County Commissioner, Precinct 2
  • County Commissioner, Precinct 4
  • Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2
  • Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 2
  • Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Place 2
  • Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 2
  • Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 2
  • Justice of the Peace, Precinct 6, Place 2
  • Justice of the Peace, Precinct 7, Place 2
  • Justice of the Peace, Precinct 8, Place 2
The deadline to file for a place on the ballot is Dec. 8, and candidate questions regarding the filing process can be directed to the Texas Secretary of State or the Harris County Clerk's office.

Looking ahead

Those interested in filing for the March primaries must meet different qualifications depending on the position, such as:
  • Age
  • Citizenship status
  • Voter registration status
If a candidate meets these requirements for the position, they can apply for a place on the ballot with the county or state Republican or Democratic party chair. Candidates for federal office must file a federal application. Applicants can visit the secretary of state's website to see which races require local or federal filing. Applicants must include a filing fee or a petition with signatures of qualified voters.