Running for Comptroller in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

If you care about fiscal transparency, ethical government, and how public dollars actually get used, running for comptroller (or controller) could be your path to impact. Comptrollers sit at the center of how governments budget, audit, and report money. It’s work that’s technical, yes, but also deeply people-focused.

This guide explains what a comptroller does, where the office exists, who’s electing comptrollers in 2026, and exactly how local Independent candidates can launch a winning grassroots campaign.

What Is a Comptroller?

A comptroller, sometimes titled controller, is a government’s chief financial watchdog.

Depending on where you live, the office may be responsible for:

• Auditing agencies and programs

• Overseeing accounting systems and internal controls

• Managing or certifying revenue and cash flow

• Publishing financial reports, like ACFR/CAFR

• Increasing transparency and protecting public funds

At the local level, some counties and cities elect fiscal officers with similar responsibilities. Titles and scopes vary, so it’s crucial to understand how the role is defined where you specifically live.

Where Are Comptrollers Elected?

While controllers are appointed positions in some states, they can be elected at both the state and local levels: 

• At the state level, titles include state comptroller, state controller, auditor-controller, or comptroller of public accounts.

• At the local level, the position may be blended with other similar roles. For instance, cities like New York City elect a Comptroller with broad audit and pension oversight. Many California counties elect combined fiscal roles, combining the roles of auditor, controller, treasurer, and tax collector. Florida counties elect Clerk of Court & Comptroller positions that blend records and fiscal administration.

Always confirm the title and duties with your state or county elections office. Additionally, while state offices may be partisan, many local offices are nonpartisan. Check with your elections office to see if you’ll have different election rules based on your party affiliation.

How to Run for Comptroller in 4 Steps

To run and win, you’ll need to know the rules, shape a credibility-first message, build a lean team, and connect with voters through consistent grassroots outreach.

Step #1: Know the Rules and Do Your Research

Before you do anything else, understand what office you’re running for, where it exists, and when it’s on the ballot. Comptroller elections can look very different from state to state and even county to county.

Check Your 2026 Election Calendar

Several states, counties, cities, and municipalities are holding comptroller elections in November 2026, such as:

• Illinois is electing a state comptroller, and the primary for this race is March 17, 2026.

• Texas has a race for a comptroller of public accounts with a primary on March 3, 2026 and the possible runoff race slated for May 26, 2026.

• California will elect a state controller in the general election on November 3, 2026.

• Maryland will elect a comptroller in November 2026 after a primary held on June 23, 2026. 

• Indiana is holding an election for a comptroller, and the general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

• Los Angeles, California will elect a city controller in November 2026, with a primary on June 2, 2026.

• Palm Beach County, Florida has an election for Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller in 2026. 

You can check your state or county Board of Elections website to see if a comptroller, controller, or auditor-controller seat is open in your area, or use our election look-up tool to see all the open elections for 2026 near you. 

Common Eligibility and Filing Requirements

Every state, city, and county has its own requirements, but in general, to run for controller, you typically need to be: 

• At least 18 years of age

• A U.S. Citizen 

• A registered voter and resident of the jurisdiction, whether that’s a city, county, or state

Your area may have role-specific criteria. For instance, while you don’t need political experience to run, you may need a finance or accounting background to qualify. 

When it comes to filing, the timeline to start may open months before election day. You’ll probably need to gather signatures on a nominating petition and submit the signatures alongside standard forms, like your declaration of candidacy, campaign finance registration papers, and financial disclosures.

LEARN MORE: Use our guide to see what paperwork you’ll need to file to start your run for office. 

Step #2: Craft a Message Built on Trust and Competence

Once you know what the comptroller’s role is in your area, the next step is to decide why you’re running and how to tell that story in a way that connects with real people.

Comptroller races aren’t about flashy slogans or partisanship. They’re about trust, competence, and integrity. When voters choose a comptroller, they’re choosing someone to guard their tax dollars, hold government accountable, and ensure honesty in public spending.

Start by defining your “why.” Ask yourself:

• What motivated you to run for office?

• What fiscal or ethical issues have you noticed in your community?

• How will your experience help protect taxpayer dollars and improve transparency?

Your “why” becomes the foundation of your platform. Maybe you’ve seen delayed audit reports, confusing budgets, or wasteful contracts. Turning that frustration into a positive plan for reform gives your campaign both focus and credibility.

Every time you communicate on your website, social media, or at a community event, bring your message back to people and impact, not just numbers.

Use everyday examples to show voters what’s at stake:

• Ensuring school budgets are spent efficiently

• Holding agencies accountable for waste

• Keeping local taxes fair and transparent

• Protecting public pension funds and essential services

When you make the link between dollars and daily life, you help voters understand how essential this office is. 

Even if a finance degree isn’t required for your election, remember to demonstrate competence in accounting, auditing, internal controls, or public finance. Experience plus a strong plan for ethics and transparency builds credibility.

Your campaign message doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be consistent, authentic, and easy for people to repeat.

LEARN MORE: Connect to your community with our guide to crafting a winning campaign message. 

Step #3: Pull Together a Team and a Plan

You don’t need a massive campaign staff to make an impact, but a tight, reliable team of friends or volunteers can help. 

Your campaign will be judged on two things: your credibility and your consistency. A well-structured plan and team help you demonstrate both.

Start with Your Core Team

Consider finding volunteers in your friends or community for these roles:

• Campaign Treasurer: Required in some places, this person handles your finances, tracks donations, and ensures you stay compliant with campaign finance laws.

• Field Lead: Coordinates voter outreach, like canvassing, phone banking, tabling, and event appearances.

• Digital Lead: Manages your website, social media, and email updates to keep supporters informed and engaged.

• Communications Advisor: Helps craft press releases, manage local media coverage, or prep you for candidate forums.

Passion and reliability ultimately matter more than titles. Even a small crew can make a big difference if everyone knows their lane. 

Map Out Your Campaign Plan

Every successful campaign has a roadmap. 

Yours should include:

• Key Deadlines: Filing dates, early voting, and election day. Write them down and work backward.

• Budget Goals: Estimate what you’ll need for essentials, like filing fees, website hosting, printed materials, and a few community events.

• Outreach Strategy: Identify how you’ll meet voters using methods like door-to-door, farmers markets, social media, or local radio.

• Visibility Plan: Look into advertising methods such as yard signs, flyers, and small digital ads to build name recognition.

Focus on activities that create real connections and reinforce your credibility as a fiscal watchdog.

Budget Wisely

A comptroller campaign doesn’t always need a massive budget. What matters is how you use those dollars.

Spend strategically on:

• Printed literature for in-person events and mail drops

• Basic digital ads or boosted posts near election time

• A texting or email outreach tool to stay in touch with supporters

Many successful local candidates win with low-cost, high-trust tactics, like meeting voters in person, attending civic association meetings, or writing guest op-eds for local papers.

Create a Fiscal Integrity Plan

Since the comptroller role is rooted in accountability, show it in your campaign. Be transparent about donations, disclose expenses promptly, and follow every rule carefully. The way you run your campaign will reflect the kind of comptroller you’ll be.

Publishing a one-page “Fiscal Integrity Plan” on your campaign website can instantly build trust. Outline how you’ll:

• Audit or review spending priorities

• Improve financial transparency

• Strengthen internal controls

• Communicate results with the public

It’s your chance to prove that you’re serious about both oversight and outreach.

Remember: You’re not just running for office. You’re running to steward public trust. Build your team and your plan around that principle, and voters will notice.

LEARN MORE: Our free political campaign checklist can help keep you and your team on track to victory.

Step #4: Launch Your Campaign and Lead With Integrity

Once your paperwork is filed and your name is officially on the ballot, it’s time to launch your campaign publicly. You’ve done the research, built your message, and assembled your team. Now your focus shifts to showing up consistently, connecting authentically, and proving that you’re ready to lead with transparency.

Comptroller campaigns may not make front-page news, but they’re where accountability begins. Most voters won’t know what a comptroller does until you tell them what it is and why it matters. Use plain language to make complex topics understandable. This helps voters connect and shows you already know how to communicate clearly about public money.

Focus on Relationships, Not Just Reach

Grassroots races are won one conversation at a time. 

Throughout your campaign: 

• Knock on doors

• Call voters directly

• Send personalized texts 

• Use visually consistent mailers and postcards 

When you meet people, listen first. Their concerns about waste, taxes, or government efficiency can become stories you reference in your campaign.

Building a strong volunteer network can also help you meet voters where they are. Empower supporters to be your ambassadors at churches, small businesses, and community events.

End Strong with Get-Out-the-Vote (GOTV)

As election day approaches, shift your focus to turnout. Many local and fiscal offices are decided by a few hundred votes, sometimes even fewer.

Remind supporters to:

• Check voter registration and polling details early

• Vote early or by mail if possible

• Encourage friends and neighbors to cast their ballots

A friendly reminder from a trusted neighbor can make the difference. Consistent, personal outreach beats expensive advertising every time.

LEARN MORE: Plan your race with our guide to running a political campaign in 2026. 

Every Dollar Deserves a Watchdog

When you run for comptroller, you’re stepping up to protect one of the most important things government manages: public trust.

Comptrollers and controllers make sure every dollar is accounted for, every report is transparent, and every taxpayer gets a fair deal. And while these offices may not grab headlines, they shape how resources are used in schools, roads, public safety, and community programs. 

When people like you — honest, engaged, community-minded leaders — step up to serve, everyone benefits. With a strong message, a clear plan, and grassroots support, you can help bring integrity, accountability, and transparency to the heart of your local government.

At GoodParty.org, we believe leadership should come from people who care, not just career politicians. Our free and low-cost campaign tools empower Independent and nonpartisan candidates to plan, organize, and win without the backing of major donors.

Whether you’re filing for a statewide comptroller race or running for your county’s auditor-controller seat, your community deserves a leader who treats public dollars like they’re personal ones, with care, clarity, and commitment.

Photo by Venti Views on Unsplash