The candidate filing period for North Carolina’s 2026 statewide elections will begin at noon on December 1, 2025. It will close at noon on December 19, 2025. Prospective candidates for both the primary and general elections must submit a Notice of Candidacy during this period. Filings and fees should be submitted either at the candidate’s county board of elections or at the State Board of Elections at 4601 Trinity Road (Gate H3), Raleigh, NC 27607, depending on the office sought.
Candidates seeking offices in New Hanover County, including NC State Senator (Districts 7 and 8), NC State Representative (Districts 18, 19, and 20), Clerk of Superior Court, Sheriff, County Commissioners, or Board of Elections, must file at 226 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403. The office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Candidates must file in person, but paperwork can also be notarized and sent by mail or courier…