Forms and Deadlines for Libertarian Candidates – 2026 Election Cycle

If you are planning to run as a Libertarian candidate in Texas, you will need to complete several forms at specific times in order to comply with state law and qualify for nomination. Below is a guide to the most important forms, when they are due, and how to submit them.

Appointment of Campaign Treasurer (CTA)

  • Purpose: Filing this form allows you to begin raising and spending campaign funds. It is usually the first step for all candidates.

  • Form: CTA Form (PDF) – Texas Ethics Commission

  • Deadline: File before accepting contributions or making expenditures. The sooner you file, the sooner you can begin fundraising.

  • Where to file: With the Texas Ethics Commission (for statewide and district offices).

Candidate Application for Libertarian Party Nomination

  • Purpose: This is the official application to seek the Libertarian Party’s nomination for public office.

  • Form and filing details: Candidate Application & Instructions – Texas SOS

  • Filing period:

    • Opens: Saturday, November 8, 2025

    • Closes: Monday, December 8, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

  • Filing fee / petition requirement: You must either pay the required filing fee or submit a valid petition in lieu of the fee. For Governor, the filing fee is $3,750. See the SOS guide for fees by office.

  • Where to file: With the state chair of the Libertarian Party of Texas (for statewide and district offices).

Judicial Candidate Requirements (if applicable)

  • Purpose: Candidates for judicial offices (such as Texas Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, and Courts of Appeals) must provide additional disclosures, including bar membership and legal background.

  • Details: Judicial Candidate Information – Texas SOS

  • Forms: Judicial Candidate Application & Instructions – Texas SOS

  • Deadline: Same as the Candidate Application filing window (Nov 8 – Dec 8, 2025).

  • Where to file: With the state chair of the Libertarian Party of Texas.

Campaign Finance Reports

  • Purpose: All candidates must file periodic reports of contributions and expenditures.

  • Schedules: See the official Filing Schedule – Texas Ethics Commission

  • Deadline: Reports are due at set intervals before and after the election. The Ethics Commission provides a calendar each cycle.

  • Where to file: With the Texas Ethics Commission (file electronically).

Key Dates for Libertarian Candidates – 2026

  • Nov 8, 2025: First day to file Candidate Application

  • Dec 8, 2025 (6:00 p.m.): Last day to file Candidate Application & filing fee/petition

  • 2026 (multiple dates): Campaign finance reports due throughout the year (check TEC filing schedule)

  • Convention Dates:

    • Precinct conventions – March 10, 2026

    • County conventions – March 14, 2026

    • District conventions – March 21, 2026

    • State convention – April 10–12, 2026

📌 Important Note: Filing a CTA early is your first step — this lets you legally fundraise toward your filing fee. Your nomination is not finalized until approved by delegates at the Libertarian Party of Texas convention in 2026.