Candidate filing opens for 2026 elections in Montana

Nearly 150 candidates file for office on first day

The Montana state capitol pictured after a late-night Senate vote on Jan. 9, 2025. (Micah Drew/Daily Montanan)Around 150 candidates for district, legislative and statewide offices submitted their official paperwork with the Montana Secretary of State’s Office on Tuesday, the first day candidates could file for office. “Tuesday was an incredible opening day for the 2026 candidate filing period,” Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen said in a state…

Montana 2026 candidate filing period opens for elections

MONTANA — Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen announced the opening of Montana's 2026 candidate filing period.

Candidate filing opens for 2026 elections in Montana

Well before 8 a.m. Tuesday, there were already eight people in line outside the Montana Secretary of State’s Office, waiting for the moment they could sign up to get their names on the ballot.

Short Window To File For Office – Daniels County Leader Website

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Secretary Christi Jacobsen: ‘Nearly 150 candidates file for office on opening day of 2026 candidate filing period’ - Official Montana Secretary of State Website - Christi Jacobsen

Back to SOS News & Media Center >> HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen says that nearly 150 candidates filed with the Secretary of State’s Office on the opening day of the 2026 candidate filing period. About 40 candidates appeared in person to file at the Montana State Capitol. “Tuesday was an incredible opening day for the 2026 candidate filing period,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “It was great to visit with so many of the…