The filing period for candidates seeking the Republican or Democratic nomination in Indiana's 2026 primary election opens on January 7, 2026—just days from now—and closes sharply at noon (local time for county filings; Indianapolis time for state-level) on Friday, February 6, 2026. This brief 30-day window is the official opportunity for Hoosiers to step forward and declare their intent to run in the May 5, 2026, primary election, where voters will select party nominees for numerous offices ahead of the November 3, 2026, general election. Only candidates affiliated with the two major parties use this declaration process to secure a spot on the primary ballot; independents and minor-party candidates follow separate petition routes that open later. With the calendar now flipped to January 2026, prospective candidates have very little time left to prepare paperwork, confirm eligibility, and plan their filing strategy. Interest in local races, state legislative seats, congressional districts, and other positions is expected to build quickly as the deadline approaches. Offices on the Ballot in 2026The 2026 cycle features a mix of federal, state, and local contests, including:U.S. House of Representatives — All nine Indiana congressional districts.

Indiana General Assembly — All 100 Indiana House seats and half of the 50 Senate seats (even-numbered districts).

Statewide offices — In 2026, major-party nominees for Secretary of State, State Comptroller, and Treasurer of State are selected at party conventions rather than the primary ballot.

Local offices — County commissioners, sheriffs, auditors, treasurers, clerks, prosecutors (where applicable), city councils, mayors (in some cities), township officials, and certain judicial roles.

School boards — Many school board positions appear on the ballot (candidates may declare party affiliation but typically run in the general election, not the primary).

Precinct committeemen and state convention delegates — For party organization roles.

The Essential Form: Declaration of Candidacy (CAN-2)The cornerstone document is State Form 46439 (R22/6-25) — Declaration of Candidacy for Primary Nomination in 2026 (CAN-2). This form, issued by the Indiana Election Division, requires:Full legal name, address, and contact details.

The specific office sought.

Chosen party (Republican or Democratic).

Affirmation of meeting constitutional and statutory qualifications (age, residency, voter registration, no felony convictions barring officeholding, etc.).

Party affiliation verification — usually based on primary voting history in the prior two cycles, or a certification from the county party chair if needed.

Most candidates must also submit:Statement of Economic Interests (CAN-12) — Especially for local offices, school boards, and certain others (filed with the relevant ethics office or county clerk).

Any required supporting documents, such as receipts proving the statement was filed.

Campaign finance rules kick in early: If you're raising or spending money to explore or support a potential run, you may need to form and register a candidate's committee even before filing the CAN-2. Where and How to File filing location depends entirely on the office:State-level and federal offices (U.S. House, Indiana House/Senate, certain judicial/prosecutorial roles) — Submit to the Indiana Secretary of State's Election Division office in Indianapolis.

Local offices (most county, city, township, school-related positions) — File with the county clerk (or circuit court clerk) in your county of residence or the county where the office is located. In Lake, Porter, and Tippecanoe counties, filings go through the county board of elections and registration.

Accepted methods typically include in-person delivery, mail (postmarked appropriately), or electronic options if permitted locally—but the noon deadline on February 6 is firm and non-extendable. No late filings are accepted under any circumstances. Practical Advice for Aspiring Candidates act immediately — Download forms now from the Indiana Secretary of State's Elections website (in.gov/sos/elections), review the full 2026 Indiana Candidate Guide for eligibility details, filing examples, and office-specific rules.

Verify party status early — Confirm your eligibility to run as a Republican or Democrat; contact your county party chair if there's any question.

Double-check requirements — Some offices need extra certifications, petitions, or ethics filings before the CAN-2 can be accepted.

Plan logistics — Travel to the filing office if needed, prepare duplicates, and consider filing well before the last minute to avoid lines or technical issues.

Stay compliant — Understand campaign finance reporting deadlines that begin soon after committee registration.

The 2026 election cycle offers Hoosiers a chance to shape everything from local schools and county government to state policy and congressional representation. Whether driven by a single issue in your community or a broader vision for Indiana, the first formal step is filing that CAN-2 declaration between January 7 and February 6.For the latest forms, the 2026 Candidate Guide, election calendar, and contact details, visit www.in.gov/sos/elections or reach out to your county clerk's office.

Indiana's democracy is strongest when everyday citizens step up—now is the time to decide if that's you. Good luck to all potential candidates across the state!