How to Become a State Representative

Serving as a state representative is an honor and a privilege. As an elected official, you have the chance to create state laws, solve your constituents' concerns and problems and make a difference in their lives. Winning an election can be one of the most time-consuming challenges you face. It requires legwork, tenacity, intelligence and ambition. It also requires the assistance of a team of people who believe in you and your political stance. Follow these steps to learn how to become a state representative.

Things You'll Need

• Campaign office
• Campaign team
• Access to printing materials
• Petition of signatures, if needed

Instructions

1. Know your politics. You cannot be a state representative unless you know which issues are affecting the constituents in your state.

2. Join a political party and make sure you live in the state where the Congressional election occurs. This is a requirement of the U.S. Constitution. You may also be required to live in your Congressional district.

3. Maintain citizenship of the United States for at least seven years. This is a constitutional requirement for people who want to be a State Representative.

4. Be at least 21 years old by the time you take office. You must also be willing to serve the mandatory two year term, if elected.

5. Follow the election requirements in your state. You may need to file a declaration of your intent to run with a certain government office. The state may also require you to submit a nominating petition with a minimum number of signatures to get your name on the ballot.

6. Form a team of people to help with the campaign. This should include a campaign manager and volunteers to assist with printing and mailing informational packets and signs, as well as a team to canvas door to door.

7. Win a special or general election for the position. If there is more that one candidate in your political party, you will have to first win a primary election. Each state enacts its own laws, policies and procedures regarding elections.

References

• House of Representatvies
• Michigan State Senate
• New York State Senate

Resources

• National Conference of State Legislatures Directory