Should i run for state representative

Some states require that potential candidates for state legislative seats file petitions when they file their candidate qualification paperwork. This page contains an overview of these requirements and an analysis of patterns in state regulations. Some states require that potential candidates for state legislative seats pay a fee when they file their candidate qualification paperwork. NCSL tracks election and campaign issues in four major categories: election laws and procedures , campaign finance , initiative and referendum , and election results and analysis.

We provide comprehensive state research and analysis on a wide variety of topics related to these issues.

For redistricting, NCSL provides similar data that covers redistricting laws, commissions and litigation. Additionally, NCSL's Redistricting and Elections Standing Committee works on issues that affect all states, including voting technology and redistricting systems and technology. If you don't find the information you need, please contact our elections team at or elections-info ncsl.

NCSL staff can do specialized searches for legislators and legislative staff. Create Account. Primary and independent candidates must file their original nominating petition in the office of the county election commission in the county of their residence and a certified duplicate in the county election commission office in each county wholly or partially within the candidate's house district.

Each of these documents must be received by the respective election commissions by the above deadline. There are no filing fees. Campaign Contribution and Disclosure Filings. Candidates should contact the Tennessee Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance for information regarding campaign contribution and disclosure reports and filing requirements.

The Bureau's address and phone number are as follows:. Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett. Skip to main content. The State Department of Texas requires its candidates for state representative to live in the state for the two years prior to the election and live in the district for which they seek office for at least one year prior to the election. After serving your initial two-year term, some states restrict the number of times you can seek election again through term limits.

Missouri voters adopted a Constitutional amendment in that limits its representatives to no more than eight years in office. Colorado caps its time as a representative at eight years — or four terms — as well. Some states, such as Alabama's Secretary of State's Office , do not limit the number of terms you can serve. How much you earn each year in office depends on the state where you live.