FILING FOR A PLACE ON THE MAY 2, 2026 ELECTION BALLOT 

First Steps for Candidates Running for a City Office (Texas Ethics Commission)

5/2/2026 CANDIDATE PACKET 

On May 2, 2026, Keller voters will elect the Mayor, City Council Place 5, and City Council Place 6 at the General Election, and will also elect a candidate to fill the unexpired term for City Council Place 4 at a Special Election conducted in conjunction with the General Election.

GENERAL ELECTION – MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL PLACE 5, CITY COUNCIL PLACE 6

Filing Period (General Election Only)
Candidates may apply for a place on the ballot beginning Wednesday, January 14, 2026, through 5:00 PM on Friday, February 13, 2026. All applications must be complete, notarized, and received by the filing deadline. Late or incomplete applications cannot be accepted.

Notice of Filing Period (Posted November 24, 2025)
May 2, 2026 Election Candidate Calendar

SPECIAL ELECTION – CITY COUNCIL PLACE 4

Filing Period (Special Election Only)
Candidates may apply for a place on the ballot beginning Wednesday, February 18, 2026, through 5:00 PM on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. All applications must be completed, notarized, and received by the filing deadline. Late or incomplete applications cannot be accepted.

Notice of Filing Period (Posted February 10, 2026)
May 2, 2026 Special Election Candidate Calendar (City Council Place 4)

CANDIDATE INFORMATION (ALL CANDIDATES)

Eligibility For City Council
Candidate Letter from the City Secretary

Applications may be filed by the following methods:

• In Person: Filed with the City Secretary’s Office during regular business hours.
• By Mail: Applications are considered filed when received, not postmarked.
• By Email or Fax: Because no filing fee is required, a signed, sworn, and notarized application may be submitted by email or fax.

To file for a place on the ballot, the following forms must be completed, notarized, and submitted to the City Secretary by the applicable filing deadline for the office sought. Late or incomplete applications cannot be accepted.

1. Application for a Place on the Ballot
   
2. Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer
   Instructions for completing the Appointment of Campaign Treasurer
3. Code of Fair Campaign Practices (voluntary)
   Fair Campaign Practices Act

CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTING

All candidates must file reports showing their campaign contributions and expenditures. 

The Texas Ethics Commission oversees all financial reporting.  Guidance and answers to common questions can be found here. The Texas Ethics Commission's Campaign Finance Guide is also provided for your assistance.  

Candidates for the General Election must submit Campaign Finance Reports to the City Secretary's Office on TBD and TBD in addition to semi-annual filings after the election.

• Campaign Finance Report
  • Instructions for completing Campaign Finance Reports

   
  Other Forms are required as needed

• Unsworn Declaration - Attach this unsworn declaration to the front of any campaign finance report or personal financial statement in lieu of a notarized signature.
  
  
• Amendment to Appointment of Treasurer
  • Instructions for completing the Amendment

• If you need to make corrections to a previously filed report: Correction/Amendment Affidavit

• Report of Unexpended Contributions
  • Instructions for completing the Report

Questions regarding campaign financing regulations and reporting should be directed to the Texas Ethics Commission.

OTHER FORMS

Certificate of Withdrawal (deadline: February 20, 2026, to have name removed from ballot)

RULES AND REGULATION

Qualifications for City Council (City Charter)
Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns (Texas Election Code)
Political Advertising, What You Need to Know
Political Fundraising, What You Need to Know
Political Signs Handout

OTHER RESOURCES

Tarrant County Elections Administrator
Texas Ethics Commission
Texas Secretary of State  

Questions may be directed to the City Secretary's Office 817-743-4005.