How often is Trial Court Judge elected?

The position of Trial Court Judge is typically elected every 4 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 Kansas?

Filing Fee: $70. The candidate must file with the Secretary of State's office. A candidate may file by petition or by Declaration of Intention, Form CD. If filing by petition, the judicial candidate must submit the Kansas Primary Nomination Petition. When filed, the petition must be accompanied by a Governmental Ethics Commission/Secretary of State (GEC/SOS) fee of $70. A candidate filing by Declaration of Intention, Form CD, may obtain the form from the Secretary of State's Elections division or from the county election official.

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the Kansas Secretary of State's office.

Where is the filing office?

Kansas Secretary of State, Memorial Hall, 1st Floor, 120 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612-1594

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 800-262-8683.

How do I get started running for Trial Court Judge?

You can start running for Trial Court Judge 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 Trial Court Judge does not include a primary or runoff election.

Trial Court Judge in Kansas

Candidates for Trial Court Judge

Learn about candidates who have filed to run for Trial Court Judge.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the People First 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 Kansas.

What this symbol means

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

Are you ready for Kansas's next election?

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About Trial Court Judge

About this position

District Courts are the state trial courts in Kansas. They hear matters both criminal and civil.

Office level: State
Election frequency: Every 4 years
Typical salary: $120,000/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 Trial Court Judge

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
The candidate must be at least 30 years and a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas and engaged in the practice of law for at least five years, whether as a lawyer, judge, or full-time teacher at an accredited law school. The candidate must be a resident of the judicial district at the time of taking office and while holding office.
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
Filing Fee: $70. The candidate must file with the Secretary of State's office. A candidate may file by petition or by Declaration of Intention, Form CD. If filing by petition, the judicial candidate must submit the Kansas Primary Nomination Petition. When filed, the petition must be accompanied by a Governmental Ethics Commission/Secretary of State (GEC/SOS) fee of $70. A candidate filing by Declaration of Intention, Form CD, may obtain the form from the Secretary of State's Elections division or from the county election official.
Filing period
Until June 1, 2026
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the Kansas Secretary of State's office.
Where to file
Kansas Secretary of State, Memorial Hall, 1st Floor, 120 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612-1594
Filing phone
800-262-8683
Step 3
Launch your campaign
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Trial Court Judge in Kansas

On the ballot

Candidates for Trial Court Judge

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for Kansas's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

About Trial Court Judge

About this position

Election type

How to run for Trial Court Judge

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

How to Run for Judge

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About this guide

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