How To Run for Mayor

Every locality sets its own rules for elections, term limits, and campaign processes. It’s important to check your local election code to ensure you’re following the right steps.

Participating in a mayoral election can be a great first step into politics. Many local leaders across the country began their political careers in small towns before moving into larger roles with greater impact.

Running for local office requires significant time, organization, and a clear understanding of your community’s needs. An election campaign attorney can steer the legal side of running for an elected office so you can focus on connecting with voters. Keep reading to learn how to run for mayor of your city or municipality. 

What Are the Requirements To Be Mayor?

Though requirements vary by state and jurisdiction, in almost all cases, you must be at least 18 years of age (though a handful of cities have no limit at all). Some age requirements can be set higher—anywhere from 19 to 30 and even above — so it’s best to check local election codes before you begin to get too far ahead in planning your campaign.

Many local governments will have additional eligibility requirements, such as being a registered voter in the city or residing in the town you’re running in for a certain number of years prior to the qualifying deadline. Clerks at your city hall and your state’s Secretary of State website can provide information about local eligibility requirements and election processes.

Running for Mayor Step-by-Step

This is a general path to becoming mayor, though every step of the process requires time and effort:

1. First, decide if a mayoral office is right for you, based on research of the responsibilities and requirements associated with the job. Ensure you are eligible under local election laws.

2. Familiarize yourself with local politics, develop a platform and stance on important issues, and fundraise for your campaign

3. Build your campaign staff, determine how many votes you need to win, and start getting your message out to the public. Determine how you’ll connect with your potential constituents.

4. Contact your local county or city clerk to gather more information and formally enter the election.

5. Participate in any other pre-voting electoral events your local district may hold.

6. Continue campaigning and advocating for yourself to voters. It’s hard to be elected if no one knows your platform. Make sure people will actually get out there to vote for you, and that they know how to register and participate in the election. The rules and methods for voting vary, so be sure to inform your supporters and prepare them to vote.

Note that steps 2-3 can be done while entering the election. You do not need to have every element of your campaign and platform figured out before you decide to run and enter the election.

Additionally, you may need to continue fundraising while simultaneously working on all of these steps. Financing a campaign for public office can be a long and hard process, but you do not need to do it all at once.

How Do I Declare as a Write-In Candidate?

To declare as a write‑in candidate, you usually must file with your local election office before a set deadline so your votes can legally be counted. It varies, but many jurisdictions require a formal declaration of candidacy and a filing fee. You also must follow the same campaign finance rules that apply to other candidates.

Keep in mind that winning an elected office as a write-in is rare.

Mayoral Job Duties and Responsibilities

Beyond prior residence and voter registration, many other duties are required of a mayor after they take office. Most local governments stipulate that a mayor must reside in their town of governance for the duration of their time in office.

Just because a mayoral office may seem “smaller” than a Senate or House seat does not mean it lacks the obligations and rules of those offices. From the beginning of your mayoral campaign through your tenure in office, you must comply with local, state, and federal election regulations and laws, and fulfill the duties of your position.

The responsibilities and duties of a mayor differ depending on the local power structure. The four primary systems that determine the role and power of the mayor are as follows:

Council-Weak Mayor System

Sometimes a mayor is simply a member of the local city council, with limited powers not granted to other council members. This type of role is known as a council-weak mayor, in which the mayor’s main duty is acting as the head of the city council.

Council-Strong Mayor System

Other times, the mayor’s office will be set up in a council-strong mayor format. In these cases, the mayor often enjoys greater administrative powers, such as oversight of employee hiring or a veto over local council decisions. A council-strong mayor may also have legislative powers along with the city council.

Council-Manager and Commission Systems

The council-manager system and commission system are less common, but both draw comparisons to the council-weak mayor setup of mostly ceremonial duties. Regardless of the way political duties are allocated in your area, being a mayor comes with significant responsibility.

How Many Terms Can a Mayor Hold Office?

Holding office as mayor can be an incredibly rewarding job and a great way to serve your community. But is there a limit to how long a mayor can hold office for?

It depends. While cities like New York have a two-term mayoral limit, others—like Chicago or Baltimore—have no term limits for mayors. Because municipal election rules are largely left to local discretion, term limits are also often left to local governments.

Checking your local election code can help clarify your town’s term of office limits. Remember that mayoral and city council term limits may differ.

How Much Does It Cost To Run for Mayor?

Elections at all levels, from federal to local, have gotten vastly more expensive. But if you’re not running for office in a major city like New York or Los Angeles, the costs associated with campaigning for office are likely much more affordable.

Running for mayor in a large city often means that a candidate must raise millions of dollars in campaign funds. While it is hard to find an exact figure for smaller cities—particularly because fundraising doesn’t always line up with the number of votes garnered—the average cost of running for municipal office is usually proportional to the community’s size, average income, and other local factors.

Most cities require a nominal candidate filing fee. Some other expenses to factor in include:

• Payroll for campaign staff or consultants
• Advertising costs, including mailers, digital ads, and yard signs
• Event expenses, such as venue rentals and meet-and-greet supplies
• Voter outreach tools, such as phone‑banking platforms, texting services, or canvassing apps
• Legal costs and attorney fees, if you choose to hire a campaign election attorney

Campaign Finance Laws

You must also understand campaign finance laws. There are legal limits on when and how money for electoral campaigns can be raised and spent. Make sure that you are always in compliance with local, state, and federal laws as you fundraise and disburse your electoral funds. If in doubt, speak to an attorney familiar with local campaign finance laws.

Campaign Fundraising

You don’t have to fundraise in order to run for mayor. But elections are decided by votes. Voters are often influenced by a candidate’s fundraising efforts.

TV spots, mail, and online advertisements are popular methods of advertising your candidacy, and each comes with various associated costs. Reaching potential constituents is an essential part of ensuring electoral success, though this can also be accomplished in part by volunteers conducting calls and sending texts to constituents and local residents.

How Can I Win a Mayoral General Election?

Searching for campaigning tips and advice for getting endorsements? This may sound simple, but the best way to guarantee electoral success is to make yourself the best candidate—and ensure your (future) constituents know it.

This means:

Develop a Platform and Get Your Message Out

• Research local issues and form your policies and opinions.
• Make sure your constituents know what you care about and why. If they share your passions, they will be more likely to vote for you.

Be Present In Your Community

• People will be much more likely to vote for a candidate who has a history of community participation and engagement. Previous community engagement can also help you become a more effective mayor.
• Attend local events, festivals, and more. Not only will you meet many future constituents and benefit from talking to them and hearing their stance on local issues, but this is also an easy and free way to advertise your candidacy.

Advertise Your Candidacy

• Look into TV spots, social media campaigns, appearances at local events, and other ways to increase your public profile. People vote for what they know.
• Create a strong digital presence, but don’t forget about in-person events. Being active on social media can help you reach voters you may not meet otherwise. But interacting face-to-face will resonate more deeply with some community members.

Get Involved With Local Politics

• Attend town council meetings, local referendums, protests, and any other political events happening in the community.
• This will help you naturally build a platform and determine your stance on issues facing your constituents. It will also demonstrate that you care about these issues.
• Many mayoral candidates have previously held other local offices or been active in community politics before running for mayor. Taking the time to build experience and ensure people know your name and platform can make a huge difference in electoral outcomes.

Get Legal Help From a Political Law Attorney

Getting legal help with your mayoral run can help ensure your campaign complies with local, state, and federal election laws, from fundraising rules to advertising requirements. An experienced attorney can also help you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your candidacy. 

FindLaw’s directory of political law attorneys can connect you with the right legal professional to keep your campaign on solid legal ground. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of legal advisors near you. Your search results will also show ratings and contact information.