The local political season kicked off last month with the January 14 start of candidate filing for seats on the City Council and school, water district and hospital boards. As the final week of filing opened, only six candidates had filed for the ten open seats which will be decided in May 2, 2026 elections. 

The deadline to file for a place on the General Election Ballot is this Friday, February 13, 2026, at 5 pm. 

Canadian City Council

The City Council is comprised of five at-large members and a mayor, each of whom are elected to staggered 2-year terms. This year, the terms of council members Gary Prater, Wendie Cook and Ashlee Talley will expire. To date, no candidates have filed.

Candidates may file for a place on the ballot at City Hall, located at 6 Main Street. Business hours are from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. For more information, call 806.323.6473.

Hemphill County Hospital District

The hospital board is comprised of five at-large directors elected to staggered 2-year terms. This year, the terms of Sharon Carr and Karen Gullett will each expire. To date, only Sharon Carr has filed for reelection.

Candidates may file for a place on the ballot at the Hemphill County Hospital business office, located at 1020 S. 4th. Business hours are from 8 am-5 pm Monday through Friday. For more information, call 806.323.6422.

Canadian Independent School District

The school board is comprised of seven at-large members elected to staggered terms of three years each. This year, the terms of Rudy Godino and Heath Mitchell will expire. Both incumbents have filed for reelection. 

Candidates may file for a place on the ballot at the CISD Administration Building, located at 800 Hillside. Business hours are from 8 am-4:30 pm Monday through Friday. For more information, call 806.323.5393.

Hemphill County Underground Water Conservation District

The water board is comprised of five at-large members elected to serve staggered four-year terms. Unlike the other boards, the water district board holds elections only in even-numbered years. This year, the terms of Marty Carr, Elizabeth Light and Tom Isaacs will expire. As of last Friday, February 6, two incumbents—Marty Carr and Tom Isaacs—and newcomer Allen Hadaway, had filed as candidates.

Candidates may file for a place on the ballot at the HCUWCD office, which is located at 211 N. 2nd. Business hours are from 8:30 am–noon and from 1–5 pm, Monday through Friday. For more information, call 806.323.8350.

Early voting for the Saturday, May 2, 2026 election begins on Monday, April 20, and ends on Tuesday, April 28. Those wishing to participate in the May election must become a registered voter no later than Thursday, April 2.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

To learn more about the filing requirements for candidates or voter registration, go online to the Texas Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.state.tx.us and click on the link to “Elections.”

TO ANNOUNCE YOUR CANDIDACY:

Both prospective candidates and retiring board or council members are welcome to announce either their intentions to run for or retire from office in The Canadian Record. To do so, either call 806.570.3033 or email editor@canadianrecord.com (receipt will be confirmed). Candidates for office are encouraged to provide a photograph, as well as a statement of candidacy.