Running for local office in Roseville
How to file to run for mayor or city council
As another election season rolls around, some people may be interested in running for a Roseville municipal office. Two Roseville city council seats and one mayoral seat will be up for election in 2026. The General Election will be November 3, 2026.
The following information is aimed at potential candidates or anyone who is interested in how the system works.
Who is qualified to run?
You can run for Roseville city council or mayor if you:
- are an eligible voter in the City of Roseville where seeking election
- have not filed for any other office at this election
- will be 21 years of age or more on assuming office
- will be a resident of Roseville for at least 30 days by Election Day
Questions regarding qualifications for public office may be directed to the Secretary of State, Elections Division, 651-215-1440.
Filing an Affidavit of Candidacy
Candidates can file their affidavit of candidacy between May 19-June 2, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. An affidavit of candidacy is a form which includes your identifying information, your campaign committee information, which office you are running for, and your affirmation that you are qualified for that office. An affidavit of candidacy must be notarized by an authorized notary.
The candidate is also required to pay a five dollar filing fee.
Forming a Campaign Committee
Prior to filing for office, an individual can form a campaign finance committee. A candidate committee is a formal organization formed to support a specific candidate running for office. (In contrast, a political committee is formed to support a specific political party or issue.) The candidate committee can receive donations on behalf of the candidate. The committee is responsible for reporting the campaign's financial activity after a certain threshold is met.
According to the Minnesota Secretary of State:
"Local candidates and campaigns follow Minnesota Statutes Chapter 211A and local laws, and file with their local filing officer. Those that raise or spend larger amounts of money must make this information public through Campaign Finance filings."
Under Minnesota State Statute 211A.02, candidates, committees and corporations that receive and/or spend more than $750 in a calendar year must file a campaign finance report with the state.
Under Roseville City Code 103.015, candidates for a Roseville City Office must file a campaign finance report with the City Clerk which lists all individuals, committees or organizations that have made contributions that in aggregate is greater than $50. A report is required whether a candidate receives a contribution or not. Reports are due ten days before a primary, general or special election and thirty days after a general or special election.
Campaign finance reports are public. You can review reports from previous candidates on the Ramsey County Campaign Finance Reports page.
Learn about the guidelines for campaign committees for the City of Roseville:
Where to File
Candidates for Roseville municipal offices may file by mail or in person at Roseville City Hall or at the Ramsey County Elections Office 90 Plato Blvd W #160 St. Paul, 55107.
Find out who is running
Once candidates begin filing for office, the affidavits of filing will be posted on the Minnesota Secretary of State website and candidate names will be listed publicly.
The Roseville Reader will be reporting on who is running for local office for you too.
ICYMI
Prajwal Vemireddy
