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What are the Requirements for Running for Congress?

Tiffany Manley
Tiffany Manley

Running for Congress in the United States has three federal requirements, in addition to any requirements that might be set by each state government. In order to fulfill federal regulations, an individual who desires to run for congress must meet minimum age requirements, minimum U.S. citizenship requirements and residency requirements. State regulations differ from state to state, so it is best for someone who is interested in becoming a congressperson to check with his or her specific state to ensure that all additional requirements are met. Although they are not necessarily requirements, other criteria might be viewed as important when running for Congress, such as leadership, people skills, public speaking ability and organizational skills.

In order to run for a spot in the U.S. House of Representatives, an individual must be a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, be at least 25 years old and reside in the state in which he or she hopes to serve. To serve in the U.S. Senate, an individual must be a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, be at least 30 years old and reside in the state where he or she wants to serve. Each state might have other requirements that need to be met in order to serve as a member of Congress from that state, so each individual should check with his or her election office for specific information.

The US Capitol Building, the seat of the US Congress.
The US Capitol Building, the seat of the US Congress.

Leadership skills might be considered an important aspect of running for congress as well. In order to effect change, a person must know how to lead people during good times and bad. Possessing this skill might mean the difference between a political leader who can get a specific job done and one who cannot.

People skills are another important aspect of trying to enter congress. Although political issues are important to most registered voters, voting for a person they like and to whom they can relate also is extremely important. Someone might have the right stances on all of the important issues, but if he or she is not likable and personable, he or she might not get elected.

A U.S. Senator must be 30 years of age upon taking office.
A U.S. Senator must be 30 years of age upon taking office.

An ability to speak to the public and campaign officials in a kind and considerate yet commanding way might also be considered essential when running for Congress. The job entails a great deal of public speaking, so practicing and achieving great skill in this area is important. Effectively communicating to constituents and workers alike will go a long way in making others comfortable with the individual as a candidate.

A U.S. Senator must be a U.S. citizen for at least nine years.
A U.S. Senator must be a U.S. citizen for at least nine years.

Organizational ability is important from a practical standpoint. Someone who plans on running for Congress will not be able to do it alone, so he or she will need a team to help out. Being able to organize a campaign team, campaign treasurer and advisers might help a campaign be more effective and run more smoothly.

Discussion Comments

Reminiscence

There's the legal requirements to run for Congress and then there's the realistic requirements to run for Congress, in my opinion. Yes, a 25 year old American citizen can run for the House of Representatives, but he or she would have to be extraordinarily mature in order to win election. It's been my experience that most successful candidates for the House have already held a local public office and are at least in their early 30s.

The other reality is that the political parties, both Republican and Democrat, are only going to back a candidate who looks electable. Without that financial and political support behind him or her, a person's chances of winning an election are minimal. Someone without major party backing might win a few sympathy votes or some votes against the main candidate, but that's about all.

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    • The US Capitol Building, the seat of the US Congress.
      The US Capitol Building, the seat of the US Congress.
    • A U.S. Senator must be 30 years of age upon taking office.
      A U.S. Senator must be 30 years of age upon taking office.
    • A U.S. Senator must be a U.S. citizen for at least nine years.
      By: Steve Cukrov
      A U.S. Senator must be a U.S. citizen for at least nine years.
    • Candidates for Congress must meet age, residency and citizenship requirements, which vary in the House and Senate.
      By: lmel900
      Candidates for Congress must meet age, residency and citizenship requirements, which vary in the House and Senate.