Running for Office

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On May 2, 2026, voters will have the opportunity to elect the members to City Council in Place 5 and Place 6.

Candidates for the May Election may file their applications for a place on the ballot January 14 through February 13.  Notice of Filing Period

First Steps for Candidates Running for Office
May Election Calendar Updated 1/06/26
2026 City Council Meeting Calendar

To file for a place on the ballot, the following forms must be turned into the City Secretary by 5:00 p.m. on February 13:

• Application for a Place on the Ballot
• Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer (form fillable version)
  • Instructions for completing the Appointment of Campaign Treasurer
• Code of Fair Campaign Practices (filing this form is optional)
  
  • Fair Campaign Practices Act

Unless a candidate selects modified reporting when they file their Campaign Treasurer Appointment, all candidates must file reports showing their campaign contributions and expenditures. 

The Texas Ethics Commission oversees all reporting. They have a helpful website to provide guidance and answer some of of the more common questions. The Commission's Campaign Finance Guide  and Title 15 of the Texas Election Code relating to campaign finance are linked for your assistance.  

Be sure to watch their training video about Starting your Campaign  (select the training under "Local Filing Authorities").

Candidates for the General Election, must submit Campaign Finance Reports to the City Secretary on April 2 and April 24, in addition to semi-annual filings after the election. 

• Campaign Finance Report
  • Instructions for completing the Campaign Finance Report

Other forms required as needed:

• Amendment to Appointment of Treasurer (form fillable version)
  • Instructions for completing Amendment
• Correction Amendment Affidavit (for any corrections to a previously filed report)

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

Declaration of Write-In Candidacy (deadline: February 17)
Certificate of Withdrawal (deadline: February 20)

Qualifications for City Council 

• City Charter
• Human Resources Policy Manual - Hiring of Relatives

Political Advertising and Campaigning

• City of Grapevine Guide to Political Signs and Campaigning - Update coming soon
• Political Advertising, What You Need to Know
• Political Fundraisers

Tarrant County Elections Administrator
Texas Ethics Commission
Texas Secretary of State  

Questions regarding elections may be sent to the City Secretary's Office or by calling 817.410.3148.