It’s that time again. Candidates must file to run in the March 2026 primary no later than December 8. As I’ve written before, where candidates get their campaign funds will tell voters a lot about a candidate’s loyalties should they get elected.
Look for out-of-state donors, lobbyists, other candidates, Political Action Committees (PACs), leadership (like TX House speaker, Washington leadership PACs).
A “How-to” Guide
From the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) website:
Filers who run for and/or hold statewide offices and multi-county offices that may include Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, Railroad Commissioner, Land Commissioner, Agriculture Commissioner, State Chair of political party, Texas Senate, Texas House of Representatives, Multi-county District Attorney, State Board of Education, Supreme Court Justice, Court of Appeals Justice, Court of Criminal Appeals Judge, and district judges must file with the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC). (emphasis added)
These candidates file their financial reports with the Texas Ethics Commission on a schedule set by law.
Filers who run for and/or hold local offices, before they can raise or expend any money, must “file a campaign treasurer appointment, even if the candidate does not intend to raise or spend money. [They] are permitted to appoint [themselves] as [their] treasurer.” If they have run before and not filed a final report, they do not have to re-file another appointment of a campaign treasurer form.
Just by following the money, you’ll be able to tell which are the people’s candidates and which are the establishment, donor class candidates. Happy searching & learning!
