The 2026 candidate filing period closed Friday with 611 candidates filing for state, federal, legislative, and judicial offices, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board.
That total makes it the second largest filing period in the past 25 years, behind only 2018, when 794 candidates filed for office.
Candidate filing marks the official start of the election season, with individuals formally entering races that will appear on upcoming ballots.
State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said the number of filings reflects strong participation in the electoral process.
“Candidate filing is the official kickoff to the election season, and the 2026 filing period was a big one,” Ziriax said.
He also thanked election officials and staff for their work during the filing period, noting their role in supporting the state’s election system.
