This packet is being provided by the County Elections Officer to supply you with the
basic information that any candidate would need to know.
Before becoming a candidate, we urge you to contact the Texas Ethics Commission for information on campaign contribution reports, the appointment of a campaign treasurer, and personal financial statements that you may be required to file.
The Texas Ethics Commission will serve as your authority on how to run your campaign.
“Local” Filers do not file with the Texas Ethics Commission.
If running for a County office you would file for a place on the ballot with the Party Chair of
your choice. All other forms would be filed with the County Elections Officer.
If running for a Local Political Subdivisions you would file all forms with the Subdivision
Authority.
Please file forms with your local filing authority accordingly.
For Major Party Candidates:
In order to run with a major political party, a candidate must file an application with the
county or state party chair and pay a filing fee. A candidate also has the option of filing a
petition in lieu of the filing fee. Application and petition forms are available through local
party officials or the Texas Secretary of State. The regular filing period for the primary
election begins on the 30th day before the date of the regular filing deadline, which is 6
p.m. on the second Monday in December of an odd-numbered year.
For Qualifications for Office – Check with your Party Chair or Authority
- Voter Registration Requirements for Candidates
- Important Dates for Party Conventions, Primary Elections and General Election – 2026
- 2026 Candidate’s Guide
- Texas Election Code Chapter 172 – Primary Elections
MINIMUM for County offices (Non-Judicial)
Important Contact Information
The Commission may be reached at the following address:
Texas Ethics Commission
P.O. Box 12070
Austin, TX 78711-2070
Tel: (512) 463-5800
www.ethics.state.tx.us
The Local Party Chairs may be reached at the following addresses:
Marion County Democratic Party
Margie Smith – Party Chair
880 Hall Road
Jefferson, TX 75657
Tel: (770) 895-5750
msmith.0606@yahoo.com
Marion County Republican Party
Hunter Bonner – Party Chair
280 Private Road 5281
Lone Star, TX 75668
Tel: (940) 300-9972
*Independent Candidate for county offices will file with the county judge
Marion County Elections Officer
Karen G. Jones, PCC, CTOP, PCAC
119 W Lafayette Street
Jefferson, TX 75657
Tel: 903) 665-3281 x236
karen.jones@co.marion.tx.us
We have compiled the following list of links that you should review which will provide
you with all necessary forms and better understanding of how to run your campaign.
Please visit Texas Ethics Commission to review these links.