Candidate Filing Period Opens Feb. 9 in Santa Cruz County

Individuals seeking statewide, federal, state, county, judicial or city offices must submit required nomination documents during the filing period.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The candidate filing period for the June 2, 2026, statewide primary election in Santa Cruz County, California, will open on Monday, February 9, and run through March 6. Individuals seeking various elected offices, including statewide, federal, state, county, judicial, and city positions, must submit the required nomination documents during this filing period.

Why it matters

This is an important step in the electoral process, as it allows potential candidates to officially declare their intention to run for office and get their names on the primary ballot. The outcome of these elections will determine the political leadership for Santa Cruz County and the state of California for the next several years.

The details

The Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections Department has announced the candidate filing period for the June 2, 2026, statewide primary election. Individuals seeking statewide, federal, state, county, judicial or city offices that will appear on the June primary ballot must submit the required nomination documents during the filing period, which runs from February 9 to March 6. Filing deadlines may be extended by five days if an incumbent does not file.

  • The candidate filing period opens on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • The candidate filing period closes on Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • The statewide primary election will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

The players

Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections Department

The government agency responsible for overseeing elections and candidate filings in Santa Cruz County, California.

Bonnie Bush

The City Clerk for the city of Santa Cruz, California, who candidates for Santa Cruz city offices must file with and schedule an appointment.

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What’s next

Candidates for Santa Cruz city offices must file with City Clerk Bonnie Bush and schedule an appointment by calling 831-420-2222.

The takeaway

The upcoming candidate filing period is a crucial step in the electoral process, as it allows individuals to officially declare their intention to run for various elected offices in Santa Cruz County and the state of California. The outcome of these elections will have a significant impact on the political leadership and policies in the region for years to come.