How to Run for Office

Running for office in the City of Gilroy involves four basic steps:

  1. Check your eligibility requirements
  2. File a FPPC intention statement
  3. Pick up nomination papers from the City Clerk
  4. File nomination papers with the City Clerk

More information about each step, including links to required forms, is provided below. To make an appointment with the City Clerk, please use the phone number or email listed to the right.

Any member of the public who meets the requirements below may run for public office in the City of Gilroy. Candidates must:

  • To run for office, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident within the City limits, and at least 18 years old.
  • For a Citywide office (Mayor), you must be a registered voter within the City limits at least thirty (30) days prior to filing your nomination papers throughout the term of office.
  • For a City Council District Office, you must be a registered voter within the district you want to serve at least thirty (30) days prior to filing your nomination papers throughout the term of office.

**Address and Voter registration will be verified before the issuance of nomination papers.**

Declare your Intent to Run

To declare your intent to run and begin fundraising, an FPPC Form 501 must be filed with the City Clerk’s Office. An original wet signature or digital signature meeting FPPC requirements is acceptable.

Form a Campaign Committee

If you plan to raise or spend more than $2,000, an FPPC Form 410 must be filed within 10 days of receiving $2,000 or more in contributions. The original must be mailed to the Secretary of State, and a copy sent to the City Clerk's office.

Important Note: A candidate is not required to open a campaign committee as long as they do not plan to raise or spend more than $2,000 in an election. See the FPPC’s website for more information.

Nomination Period and Pulling Papers

This is the period when individuals may officially be issued nomination papers, circulate them for signatures, and file for candidacy. The nomination period opened at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, and closed at 5:00 p.m. sharp on Friday, August 7, 2026.

To run for office, candidates must obtain and complete the official nomination documents issued by the City Clerk's Office during the official nomination period.

Candidates are required to contact the City Clerk to schedule an appointment to be issued the necessary forms and nomination papers to run for office and a second appointment to file their completed nomination papers and other required documents. Appointments are available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. during the nomination period. 

Candidates should be prepared to provide their name and residential address to validate current voter registration and eligibility status before their appointment. Prospective candidates are encouraged to review the Candidate Instructional Guide (link coming soon) before their scheduled appointment. Once the candidate has gathered the required signatures and completed ALL required paperwork, they must make an appointment with the City Clerk's Office to submit the nomination form and paperwork. 

Candidate Instructional Guide

The nomination instructions are fully contained in the Candidate Instructional Guide (link coming soon). Please note that this guide will be updated before each election. This information is provided to assist candidates in understanding the requirements necessary to run for municipal office. The Guide is provided for instructional purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional services. Samples in this Guide are not official forms and are provided for illustrative purposes only.

Additional information about the General Municipal Election, including candidate and voter assistance, is available only from the City Clerk.  Please contact the City Clerk's Office if you have questions regarding the upcoming election.

Campaign Disclosures: Public Portal for Campaign Finance Disclosures