How often is U.S. Representative elected?

The position of U.S. Representative is typically elected every 2 years.

What does it mean for an election to be partisan?

Partisan elections require candidates to declare a party affiliation, like Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in California?

Filing fee is 1% of salary or in lieu of filing fees; signature requirement of 2000 signatures

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's Office.

Where is the filing office?

Office of the Secretary of State, 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, California 95814

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 916-653-6814.

How do I get started running for U.S. Representative?

You can start running for U.S. Representative by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for U.S. Representative does not include a primary or runoff election.

U.S. Representative in California

Candidates for U.S. Representative

Learn about candidates who have filed to run for U.S. Representative.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Who's currently in office

Learn about who represents you in California.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Are you ready for California's next election?

Get registered and ready to vote, whether in person or by mail.

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Find your polling location

Learn where to go to vote in person.

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Request a mail-in ballot

Apply for an absentee ballot to vote by mail.

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About U.S. Representative

About this position

The U.S. House of Representatives is one of two chambers for the federal legislature. Representatives begin the legislation process, offer amendments, and serve on committees.

Office level: Federal
Election frequency: Every 2 years
Typical salary: $174,000/year
Commitment level: Full Time
Affiliation: Partisan
Positions: 1 open seat

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for U.S. Representative

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
Representative must be at least twenty-five years old, have been a citizen of the United States for at least seven years, and be an inhabitant of the state they seek to represent.
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
Filing fee is 1% of salary or in lieu of filing fees; signature requirement of 2000 signatures
Filing period
February 9, 2026 - March 6, 2026
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's Office.
Where to file
Office of the Secretary of State, 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, California 95814
Filing phone
916-653-6814
Step 3
Launch your campaign
A real campaign starts with a real plan. Get a custom campaign plan from GoodParty.org, personalized for your race and district.
Get started

Need help? You don't have to run alone. Join the GoodParty.org Community to get advice from real independents who have run and won.

U.S. Representative in California

On the ballot

Candidates for U.S. Representative

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for California's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

About U.S. Representative

About this position

Election type

How to run for U.S. Representative

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

How to Run for Congress as an Independent

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