How to Run for District Attorney in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

District attorneys (DAs) are among the most visible public servants in the criminal justice system. They set policy, make charging decisions, negotiate plea agreements, and lead the office that prosecutes crimes in their jurisdiction. If you care about public safety and justice, believe in fair outcomes, and want to build trust with your community, running for district attorney could be your path to real, local impact.

This guide covers what a district attorney is, what a DA’s office does, who can run, and how to launch a winning, people-focused campaign, especially if you’re running as an Independent or in a nonpartisan election.

What Is a District Attorney?

A district attorney is the elected or appointed chief prosecutor for a county or multi-county judicial district. In simple terms, the DA represents “the people” of a city, county, or state in criminal court.

A DA leads the district attorney’s office, which includes other prosecutors, investigators, and victim advocates who handle everything from minor offenses to serious felonies.

You may sometimes hear the DA referred to as the community’s chief law enforcement officer. That doesn’t mean the DA runs the police; it means the office is responsible for determining charges, presenting cases in court, and ensuring the fair administration of justice.

What Does a District Attorney Do?

A district attorney’s job is to oversee the prosecution of criminal cases on behalf of the public. That means the DA and their team are responsible for reviewing evidence, deciding whether to file charges, and presenting cases in court. 

The core responsibilities of a district attorney include: 

• Review and File Charges: DAs determine whether there is enough evidence to bring a case to trial and what specific charges should be filed.

• Prosecute Criminal Cases: From misdemeanors to serious felonies, the DA’s office represents the state in criminal proceedings and works to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

• Negotiate Plea Agreements: DAs may resolve some cases through plea deals that balance accountability, fairness, and efficient use of public resources.

• Work with Law Enforcement: The DA advises police and investigators on how to gather evidence, request search warrants, and ensure investigations follow the law.

• Support Victims and Witnesses: Many DA offices include victim advocates who help people navigate the court process, seek restitution, and stay informed about their cases.

• Uphold Justice and Ethics: A DA’s duty is not simply to win cases, but to seek justice. That includes disclosing evidence that may help the defense and revisiting convictions if new information shows someone was wrongfully convicted.

Inside the district attorney’s office, a DA leads a team of assistant prosecutors who specialize in areas like domestic violence, narcotics, or homicide. The DA’s office also includes investigators, paralegals, and victim advocates. Leading this team means setting priorities, allocating resources, and ensuring justice is pursued fairly in every case.

District attorneys also play a leadership role outside the courtroom, shaping local criminal justice policy. Some DAs partner with community organizations to address the root causes of crime, such as substance use or housing insecurity.

In short, a district attorney is both a prosecutor and a public servant, responsible for ensuring the law is enforced fairly, consistently, and in the best interests of the community.

How to Run for District Attorney in 4 Steps

You don’t need party backing to run a serious race. With a clear message rooted in justice, safety, and fairness, and a disciplined field plan, you can build real momentum.

Step #1: Do Your Research

Before you announce your candidacy, get crystal clear on what the DA office looks like in your state, who’s eligible to run, and how your specific race works. Titles, jurisdictions, and selection methods vary widely, so thorough research now can save you headaches later.

Dig Into the Role and Responsibilities

Look up how large the office is, the kinds of cases it handles, and what the workload is like in your district. Some DA offices in major metro areas employ hundreds of prosecutors and staff, while others in rural areas might have only a few.

Understanding the scope and compensation of the role can also help you plan. DA salaries vary widely by state and county, typically ranging from around $180,000 to over $300,000 per year. Larger jurisdictions with heavy caseloads often pay more, while smaller or part-time offices pay less. 

Beyond pay, remember that the DA role carries significant responsibility. You’re overseeing prosecutions, managing staff, setting office priorities, and maintaining public trust. Learning the day-to-day expectations before you launch your campaign ensures you know exactly what you’re stepping into and can speak credibly about the office’s impact during your run.

Determine How District Attorneys Are Elected in Your State

The title, scope, and election process for prosecutors vary from state to state. Knowing how it works where you live will shape your campaign strategy.

Most district attorneys are elected by voters at the county or multi-county judicial district level. A judicial district (sometimes called a circuit) is simply a regional grouping of counties that share the same court system and prosecutor.

For example, Florida has 20 judicial circuits, each of which elects one state attorney who handles prosecutions across several counties. In contrast, California and Texas elect one nonpartisan district attorney per county.

While the function is the same, the title may change by state. For instance:

• District Attorney (DA): Used in many states, including California, New York, Texas, Colorado, Oregon, and Wisconsin.

• State’s Attorney: Used in states like Illinois and Maryland.

• Commonwealth’s or County Attorney: Used in Virginia and Kentucky.

• Solicitor: The title for prosecutors in South Carolina’s multi-county judicial circuits.

• Prosecuting Attorney: Used in states such as Washington and Hawaii.

A few states don’t have locally elected district attorneys. Instead, the state Attorney General’s Office handles most criminal prosecutions. In Rhode Island and Delaware, all criminal cases are prosecuted by the state attorney general rather than a county or district office.

In other states, the attorney general may occasionally take over cases from local prosecutors, like when there’s a conflict of interest or a statewide investigation.

Doing this early research ensures you understand not only how to get on the ballot but also what kind of office you’ll be leading once elected.

Who Can Run for District Attorney? 

Eligibility is ultimately state-specific, but most DA candidates must:

• Be a licensed attorney in good standing with the state bar. Some states may specify years of practice.

• Be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and a registered voter in the jurisdiction.

• Reside in the county or district. Some states may require a set residency period before filing, such as living in the district for at least six months.

• Have no disqualifying convictions or conflicts per state law or ethics rules.

Former ADAs, public defenders, civil litigators, and judges have all won DA races. Voters respond to clear courtroom competence and a credible plan to lead the office.

As you research, also note basic election logistics like filing deadlines, petition requirements, and whether your state holds partisan or nonpartisan DA elections. You’ll revisit these details later when it’s time to file.

LEARN MORE: You can check if the DA is up for election in your district with our free election look-up tool. It’s also a good idea to cross-check your research with your state bar association for any practice-year or state-specific requirements.

Step #2: Map Out Your District Attorney Campaign

Once you understand your district’s structure and eligibility requirements, it’s time to turn your research into a plan. Running for district attorney requires leadership, community connection, and a clear message about what justice means in your district.

Define Your Message and Priorities

A successful DA campaign starts with a clear, values-driven message. You’re not just running to enforce the law. You’re running to shape how justice is pursued in your community. 

Ask yourself:

• What issues or challenges are most pressing in your district’s criminal justice system?

• Where do you see opportunities to improve fairness, safety, or efficiency?

• How can you use the office to build trust between the public, law enforcement, and the courts?

Your answers will form the foundation of your campaign platform. Common themes DA candidates focus on include things like public safety,accountability, and strengthening victim advocacy and communication throughout the legal process.

Keep your campaign message specific and people-centered. 

Build Your Campaign Team

Even local DA races require structure and support. You don’t need a massive staff, but you do need a small, reliable team. 

Consider tapping your friends or supporters to fill roles like: 

• Campaign Manager: Oversees strategy, scheduling, and day-to-day coordination.

• Treasurer or Finance Lead: Ensures compliance with campaign finance laws and manages contributions.

• Communications Lead: Handles media relations, digital content, and social media strategy.

• Field Organizer: Manages canvassing, phone banking, and voter outreach.

You should also start recruiting volunteers to help distribute materials, staff events, and engage voters in person and online.

Especially when you’re running as an Independent or without major party infrastructure, it’s crucial to tap into your professional network, community connections, and supporters early. Remember that even a few dedicated volunteers can make a big difference, especially in down-ballot races like this one.

LEARN MORE: Explore how to build a lean but effective campaign team that fits your needs.

Budget for Success

Running for district attorney doesn’t have to mean running an expensive campaign, but it does require resources. Plan your budget based on your district’s size, population, and voter reach. 

Typical campaign expenses include:

• Filing fees, which may be a flat amount or a percentage of the DA’s annual salary

• Yard signs, digital ads, and mailers

• Campaign website and email tools

• Travel and event costs

• Staff or consultant stipends

Start fundraising early. Focus on small-dollar donations from local supporters and community events. Hosting campaign events like coffee chats, bar association lunches, and town forums can be great ways to connect and raise funds. Avoid fundraising from anyone with active cases or business before the DA’s office to maintain credibility and ethical transparency.

Craft a Campaign Timeline

Create a simple timeline that outlines key milestones, like filing deadlines, public events, debates, and GOTV efforts. Planning ahead keeps you organized and helps you pace your outreach.

Your early months should focus on community engagement and name recognition. As election day approaches, shift more time to direct voter contact through door-knocking, phone calls, and local events.

LEARN MORE: Keep your race on track with our free political campaign checklist. 

Step #3: File Your Candidacy and Get on the Ballot

Once your plan is in place, it’s time to make your run official. Filing to run for district attorney can look a little different depending on your state, but the process is straightforward if you stay organized and give yourself enough time.

Each state, and sometimes each county or judicial district, has its own rules for how to become a candidate for district attorney. Before you start gathering paperwork, confirm the requirements with your state or local board of elections.

You’ll usually need to:

• File a declaration of candidacy. This form makes your run official and may need to be notarized.

• Register your campaign committee. You’ll likely need to name a treasurer, open a campaign bank account, and comply with campaign finance rules.

• Submit financial disclosures. These forms report potential conflicts of interest and affirm your eligibility.

• Collect petition signatures. Independent or nonpartisan candidates often need a set number of valid signatures from registered voters in their district.

• Pay a filing fee. Some states charge a flat fee, while others use a percentage of the DA’s annual salary.

Start collecting signatures early. While it may be a requirement to run, it’s also a great way to introduce yourself to voters and build early name recognition.

After submitting your forms, fees, and signatures, your elections office will confirm your name on the ballot. From here, it’s all about execution: showing up, meeting voters, and building trust through consistent, transparent outreach. You’ll move from paperwork to people, and every handshake, door knock, and community event will count.

LEARN MORE: Get detailed insights on what you’ll need to file to run for office and get your campaign off the ground. 

Step #4: Run a People-Powered District Attorney Campaign

District attorney races often fly under the radar, but they have an enormous impact on how justice works in your community. That’s your opportunity: to stand out by being visible, approachable, and clear about what kind of leadership you’ll bring.

Focus on Community, Not Politics

Most voters don’t follow DA races closely. They may not even realize the role is elected. That means your biggest challenge isn’t partisanship, it’s awareness. Center your campaign on public trust, fairness, and safety, not partisan talking points.

When you meet voters, lead with why you’re running:

• Do you want to modernize the office and improve efficiency?

• Strengthen accountability and transparency?

• Expand diversion programs and fair sentencing?

These are the issues that resonate far beyond party lines. Stay local, specific, and human in every conversation.

Meet Voters Where They Are

Face-to-face connection is one of the most effective tools in local elections, and it’s how you show voters that you’ll be accessible once in office.

Some ways to connect with your voters include:

• Attend Community Events: Fairs, town halls, and local festivals let you meet residents informally.

• Knock on Doors: Even in a justice-focused race, door-to-door outreach builds trust and recognition.

• Hold Listening Sessions: Create space for people to share their experiences with the legal system.

• Engage with Local Groups: Civic and faith groups in your community are trusted messengers and often shape local opinion.

Digital tools matter too. Use social media and email newsletters to share your story, clarify your platform, and announce where voters can meet you next.

LEARN MORE: Expand your outreach with our picks for the best peer-to-peer texting tools.

Get Out the Vote (GOTV)

In many local and judicial races, turnout is notoriously low. Winning often comes down to who actually shows up to vote.

To motivate voters and start your GOTV efforts:

• Remind supporters of voter registration and absentee ballot deadlines.

• Use GOTV texts and emails to share polling locations and early-voting information.

• Ask volunteers to make reminder calls the week before election day.

Keep the tone positive and personal. Voters respond to encouragement, not pressure. Close to election day, your goal isn’t to persuade voters. You’re trying to motivate them to get to the polls because even a few hundred extra votes can make the difference in a DA race.

Lead your campaign the way you’ll lead the office, with fairness, transparency, and accountability. The more you embody those qualities now, the more trust you’ll carry into the courtroom later.

LEARN MORE: Kick-start your campaign and start connecting with your voters with our guide to running a political campaign in 2026. 

Be the Change in Your Justice System

When you run for district attorney, you’re stepping up to shape how justice is served in your community. District attorneys hold one of the most powerful and visible roles in local government, and that power can be used to restore trust, promote fairness, and create real accountability.

Independent-minded leaders like you have the opportunity to make the system work better for everyone, not just the well-connected or the politically favored. Whether your focus is on reform, public safety, or transparency, running for DA is your chance to bring balance and integrity back to your district’s justice system.

At GoodParty.org, we believe real change starts with people, not parties. That’s why we’re here to empower you to run a campaign rooted in values and powered by community, with free and low-cost tools, data, and strategy resources designed to level the playing field for Independent and nonpartisan candidates.

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