Thinking about running? Here’s where to start.
Running for office might seem intimidating. (Paperwork, canvassing, fundraising – oh my!) But it’s all possible if you take it step by step. And if you need support along the way, we can help.
1. Decide when to run.
There’s no “perfect time” to run for office. Most successful candidates have told us that once you start thinking about it, there will be a time that just feels right when you can jump into a campaign on your own terms. You have to balance the decision with what’s going on in your personal and professional life. Women have great intuition; listen to it.
2. WHEN NOT TO RUN.
While there’s no perfect time to run, there are some generally un-perfect times. On the personal side of things, if there’s so much going on that you can’t give a majority of your time and energy to a campaign, it’s probably not the right time. And on the political side, consider holding off if you’d be running against a popular incumbent from your same party. Jump in when an office holder is terming out, for example. That’s not a rule, just a guideline.
3. DO YOUR RESEARCH.
4. TALK TO YOUR PEOPLE.
5. ASSEMBLE YOUR TEAM.
6. TAKE CARE OF THE TECHNICAL Stuff.
7. MAKE CONNECTIONS.
8. DEFINE YOUR PLATFORM.
9. RUN, GIRL, RUN!
Read as much as you can about the office you’d like to run for. Talk to people who have or are currently holding that office. Attend or watch the forums, council meetings and events that office is responsible for, and volunteer to get involved in any way you can. Talk to your party about the realistic needs of running for that office so that you can get a sense for what else you can be doing to prepare.
Your spouse, your family, even your boss: these are the people who will be on the front lines of this journey with you even if they aren’t actively involved in the campaign. They’ll get less of your time than they’re used to, they’ll likely need to step in to help you cover things in your personal or professional life and, hardest of all, they’ll watch while you’re tested to the limit with personal attacks from your opponents. Talk openly and honestly about what’s ahead and accept whatever level of involvement in your campaign that they are comfortable with.
Whether you’re planning to hire paid staff or simply elicit the best volunteer help in the world, you’ll need to build a team that covers the essentials: Communication, Fundraising & Finance and Field Operations. Ask as many people who have run for office who they’ve worked with and who they recommend. Your party can also connect you with people who fit your needs.
Each office (listed below) has different deadlines and requirements for the paperwork you need to file as a candidate so follow that position’s link to see what’s required and when. You’ll also need a separate bank account for ALL campaign donations and expenses. This is VERY important so don’t skip this step. Download our Candidate 101 Starter Checklist.
Even before you have “officially” declared your candidacy, you can (and should!) be out there meeting your constituents. Attend neighborhood coffees and association meetings. Introduce yourself and listen to the issues that matter to your neighbors; these are the platform items you’ll need to address in your campaign.
Your message is the most important aspect of your candidacy. What are the three (four, tops!) main issues you’re passionate about? Create a clear, concise set of talking points that you believe in and won’t mind repeating until you’re blue in the face. The approximately 1000th time you’ve stated your case will be the first time someone hears it.
Once you have your foundation in place, it’s time to announce that you’re running for office. You’ll, of course, announce the big news to your personal circle, but you’ll also want to notify the media. Host a campaign kick-off party where you can test your stump speech in a safe space with people who want the best for you.