To appear on the ballot, those wanting to run must submit a notice of candidacy and pay a required filing fee (which varies by office). They must file with the appropriate elections board office. The filing period opens at noon Monday and closes at noon Dec. 19, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections website.

Even though it’s still 2025, the window for candidate filing to run in NC midterm elections in 2026 will open in December.

North Carolina Board of Elections certifies 2025 municipal elections, excluding two disputed Harrellsville races.

Candidates for federal, state and local offices can file to formally begin their campaigns for the 2026 primary elections on Monday.

The federal court allowed the state to use a new Republican-drawn congressional map that would help the GOP pick up another House seat in next year's midterms.

North Carolina is among several states where Trump has broken with tradition by directing mid-decade map changes.

A Republican-driven redrawing of North Carolina’s congressional maps can be used in the 2026 midterm elections, a federal court ruled Wednesday.

A nationwide redistricting battle is unfolding, largely encouraged by President Trump, as Republican-led legislatures across several states face growing pressure from the former president and his allies to create additional GOP-leaning congressional districts and solidify the party’s House majority.

Federal judges have allowed North Carolina to use a redrawn congressional map designed to give Republicans an additional U.S. House seat.