Deciding to Run: Finding Your Purpose

Start with your why. Two lines on what’s at stake and the change you’re running to make. Identify under-represented communities you’ll champion and the issues where you offer concrete solutions. These choices power your story, your asks, and your energy.

Choosing the Right Office

Match your experience and capacity to the office. Review requirements (residency, signatures, fees), turnout history, and incumbent status. Local seats build name recognition; open seats are easier than entrenched incumbents.

Build a Campaign Plan

Your plan is the north star. Include mission & goals, timeline, fundraising targets, voter contact strategy (ID → persuade → mobilize), and core messaging. Prioritize high-propensity supporters and persuadables.

Filing, Legal, and Compliance

File on time, appoint a treasurer, use a separate bank account, track contributions and in-kind, and calendar every reporting deadline. Weekly reconciliation avoids headaches.

Team, Budget, and Fundraising

Assign clear owners (manager, field, finance, comms, digital, treasurer). Budget conservatively across field, comms, digital, events, and compliance. Blend small-dollar fundraising with a focused major-donor plan; report wins and impact to keep momentum.

Field, GOTV, and After the Election

Run a consistent field program (doors, phones, texts, relational). During GOTV, focus only on turnout messages and confirmations. After election day, complete reports, thank supporters, debrief, and plan next steps.