What Are the Requirements to Run for Public Office?

There are more than half a million elected offices in the United States, and 96% of those are open to candidates regardless of party affiliation. Running for public office is an essential step for individuals looking to influence policy and bring change to their communities. 

Whether you have a passion for public service or a specific policy position in mind, understanding the eligibility requirements is crucial before running for any position. 

Our guide will cover the main requirements needed to run for public office, whether you intend to run for local office or have larger aspirations. We’ll also dispel common myths about running for office and offer guidance for those considering launching their candidacy.

The 3 Main Requirements to Run for U.S. Public Office

Some of the qualities needed for leadership include integrity, passion, and an ability to connect with people. These are so-called “soft qualities”, but they’re important for future leaders to cultivate. 

There are also some legal requirements that candidates must meet before they are permitted to enter the political arena as candidates.

The criteria to run for public office vary depending on the position and jurisdiction. However, some fundamental eligibility requirements are consistent across most public roles.

#1: Age Requirements to Run for Office

Age requirements are a common criterion for running for public office. These age requirements ensure that candidates possess a certain level of maturity and life experience.

Here are the most common age requirements to keep in mind:

Federal Offices: 

• President: To run for President of the United States, a candidate must be at least 35 years old. 

• U.S. Senate: For the U.S. Senate, the minimum age is 30 years old.

• U.S. House: Candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives must be at least 25 years old.

State and Local Offices: 

• Governor: Gubernatorial candidates often need to be at least 30 years old.

• State Legislature: State legislative candidates may only need to be 18 or 21 years old. 

• Local Offices: Many local candidates must be at least 18 years of age before running for office. 

Age requirements for state and local offices vary. Check your state, county, or city government’s website for specific eligibility criteria.

#2: Citizenship Requirements to Run for Office

Citizenship requirements are another crucial factor in determining eligibility.

Here are the citizenship requirements for major offices:

Federal Offices: 

• President: To run for president, a candidate must be a natural-born U.S. citizen. 

• U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate candidates must have been citizens for at least 9 years.

• U.S. House: Candidates for the House of Representatives must have been citizens for at least 7 years.

State and Local Offices: 

The rules for state and local offices can differ. In most cases, candidates must be U.S. citizens, though the specific length of time they need to have held citizenship can vary by state and office.

Bear in mind that, although citizenship is required to hold office in the United States, many naturalized citizens have embarked on very successful political careers. 

#3: Residency Requirements to Run for Office

The best representatives are those who have a true connection to the community, especially at the local level. Residency rules ensure that candidates are vested in the community or region they intend to represent.

• Federal Offices: Members of Congress are required to live in the state they wish to represent at the time of the election.

• State and Local Offices: States often have their own rules regarding residency. For example, some may require candidates to live in a district for at least one year before the election.

Bonus: Other Requirements to Run for Office

While age, citizenship, and residency are the most common eligibility requirements to run for office, there are other considerations candidates should be aware of. These include:

• Voter Registration: Many states require candidates to be registered voters in the district they are running in.

• Criminal Record: Certain felony convictions can disqualify candidates from running, depending on the state and the nature of the crime.

• Conflicts of Interest: Some states have rules regarding conflicts of interest, such as financial or business ties that could impact a candidate’s ability to serve impartially.

• Past Impeachment: Individuals who have been impeached and convicted of certain offenses may be barred from running for some public offices.

Debunking Common Myths About Eligibility Requirements

There are several misconceptions surrounding what it takes to run for public office. These false perceptions can keep otherwise passionate, talented individuals from entering into public service. 

Let’s try to debunk some of the most common myths and set the record straight.

Myth #1: A College Degree Is Required to Run for Public Office

Looking at the resumes of most politicians, you might think that you need to be a lawyer or other professional to run for public office. While many politicians were also accomplished in their careers before entering public service, many were simply passionate individuals who sought to address problems in their community. 

Reality: Contrary to popular belief, there is no formal education requirement for most public offices in the United States. While a college degree may be beneficial for understanding complex policy issues or bolstering credibility, it is not mandatory.

Myth #2: Candidates Need Political Experience to Run for Office

The perception many people have of politicians is of an ambitious person with aspirations of higher office. In most cases, that couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Reality: Many successful officeholders started their political careers without prior experience. In fact, many are inspired to run for office out of a sense of duty or because of a specific issue that goes unaddressed in their community. Leadership qualities, community involvement, and the ability to connect with voters often weigh more heavily than a political resume.

Learn more about how to run for office with no political experience.

Myth #3: Candidates Need Deep Pockets to Run for Office

It’s an unfortunate reality that money is often necessary to run for office. However, that doesn’t mean you need to be rich to run for office.

Reality: While running for public office can be costly, there are ways for candidates to mitigate expenses. 

Grassroots campaigns, crowdfunding, and volunteer efforts can offset financial burdens. Many candidates, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and countless local candidates, have run successful campaigns with limited funds by focusing on creative and strategic outreach.

Myth #4: Only Democrats or Republicans Can Run for Office

Looking at past presidents and national officeholders would lead some to believe that you need to be part of the establishment to run for office. Looking further down the ballot dispels this myth.

Reality: Independent and third-party candidates can and do run for office. 

While the two-party system may dominate U.S. politics, there are many successful examples of candidates who ran and won as independents or third-party candidates. The key is to meet ballot access requirements, which vary by state.

Myth #5: Candidates Must Have a Large Support Network Before Running

Many people are hesitant to run for office because they think they need a big network of support to win. 

Reality: While having a network of supporters can be helpful, it is not a prerequisite. 

Many candidates build their support base during the campaign by actively engaging with their community, hosting events, and leveraging social media and grassroots outreach. Passion, dedication, and consistent voter outreach can create momentum even without a large network.

All that being said, the most important requirement to run for public office is an earnest commitment to build a better, stronger community that benefits all of your future constituents. 

Learn If You Qualify to Run for Office

Running for local office is an important decision that affects not only your own life but the lives of your family and community. If you’re considering running for public office, it’s essential to understand the commitment it involves as well as checking the specific eligibility requirements for the role you have in mind. 

Eligibility requirements can vary widely between federal, state, and local positions. Researching your state’s election office and consulting local statutes is a great starting point.

Interested in learning what elections are happening in your area that you might qualify for? Use our election look-up tool to explore upcoming elections and discover opportunities to run for office near you.