For well-known presidential candidates seeking a place on a major party presidential primary, Virginia has the toughest rules. The state requires 5,000 signatures.
On November 18, Pete Buttigieg became the first Democratic presidential candidate to submit a petition. His petition has approximately 12,000 signatures.
At least some work required for serious Prez candidates.
I thought New York used to have particularly tough petitioning rules for major party candidates to get into their presidential primary. Candidates who were in favor with the state party leadership could normally get on, but those out of favor had a harder time. Are those rules still in effect in NY?