1. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b), (c), and (d), "candidate" means an individual who:

   1. (1) has taken the action necessary to qualify under Indiana law for listing on the ballot at an election or to become a write-in candidate;
   2. (2) has publicly announced or declared candidacy for an elected office; or
   3. (3) otherwise seeks nomination for or election to an elected office, regardless of whether the individual wins election to the office.

2. (b) As used in IC 3-9 , an individual becomes a "candidate" when the individual, the candidate's committee, or a person acting with the consent of the individual:

   1. (1) receives more than one hundred dollars ($100) in contributions;
   2. (2) makes more than one hundred dollars ($100) in expenditures;
   3. (3) is required to file a written instrument designating a principal committee under IC 3-9-1-5.5 or IC 3-9-5-1 ;
   4. (4) is subject to campaign contribution limits under IC 3-9-2 ;
   5. (5) is subject to campaign expense restrictions under IC 3-9-3 ; or
   6. (6) is subject to requirements for campaign communications including fabricated media under IC 3-9-8 .

3. (c) As used in IC 3-13-1 and IC 3-13-2 , "candidate" includes an individual filling a general or municipal election ballot vacancy under IC 3-13-1 or IC 3-13-2 when a county or town election board, the Indiana election commission, or a court has determined that the required action of:

   1. (1) the individual; or

   2. (2) another person under IC 3-13-1 or IC 3-13-2 ;

      is void or invalid.

4. (d) As used in IC 3-14-3-18 , "candidate" includes an individual described in IC 3-14-3-18 (a).

As added by P.L.186-2025, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.23-2026, SEC.2.