A Beginner’s Guide to Running for Local Office as a Gen Z Progressive

Let’s be real: politics is a shitstorm. It always has been, but the past ten years have felt particularly awful.

Growing up in this political climate makes it easy to lose hope, to think that it’s easier to lay down and take things as they are, or to believe that the only thing left for you is a fantasy about one day starting an agricultural commune with your friends.

What if I told you that you have a fighting chance to make a real, tangible difference in your community?

Running for local office might just be the ticket to turning your dream into reality. Plenty of Gen Zers have already been elected to political office, from City Council to the U.S. Capitol — some examples include Chi Ossé of the New York City Council (elected at 23), Joe Vogel of the Maryland State Delegate (elected at 25), or U.S. House Representative Maxwell Frost of Florida’s 10th district (elected at 26 and the only Gen Z member of Congress).

More young people are running this year, and if elected, will shake up the traditional old, cishet, white male structure of politics. Could you be next?

Don't worry if you're new to the political scene — we've got your back. Here's your step-by-step guide to embarking on your journey as a progressive Gen Z candidate.

How do I run for office?

Step 1: Define Your Why

First things first, let's figure out exactly why you want to run for office. What issues or causes are you passionate about? What change do you want to see in your community? Take some time to reflect on your values and vision for a better future — this will be your guiding light throughout your campaign. Remember: your top priority should always be the community you aim to represent. Don’t be an empty suit.

Step 2: Do Your Homework

Now that you've got your why, let’s figure out your how. Roll up your sleeves and do some research. Get to know your local government structure, including which office(s) interest you, when they are up for election, and what the responsibility entails. The best way to approach this is to use the issues you care about most: if you’re passionate about education, look into school board races. If you’re passionate about mental health and homelessness, a County Board of Supervisors seat might be better for you. 

Learn about the issues facing your community and how they're being addressed (or ignored) by current leaders. Understanding the lay of the land will help you craft a campaign platform that resonates with your constituents.

Step 3: Map Out Your Timeline

You don’t want to miss your chance at the next election cycle because you forgot a deadline. Figure out key dates like the candidate filing period, the primary election, and the general election dates (and make sure you get your paperwork together). 

Your state or county board of elections should have candidacy guidelines on their site. You’ll also want to plan out when and how you’re reaching out to voters — get a copy of our guide to help break down the ideal voter contact timeline.

Step 4: Build Your Squad

No candidate is an island — you're going to need a team of dedicated supporters to help you along the way. Reach out to friends, family, and like-minded peers who share your passion for change. Together, you'll form your campaign team, supporting each other through the highs and lows of the journey ahead. We also highly recommend building a professional team to help you navigate the political landscape — check out our post on where to start.

Step 5: Get Organized

Running for office is no small feat, so it's essential to stay organized from the get-go. Create a campaign plan outlining your goals, timeline, and budget. Set up a system for managing volunteers, outreach efforts, and fundraising activities. The more organized you are, the smoother your campaign will run.

Step 6: Knock on Doors (Virtually or in Person)

Whether you're hitting the pavement or pounding the keyboard, grassroots outreach is key to growing support and solidarity. Engage with your community through door-to-door canvassing, virtual town halls, social media, and local events. Listen to their concerns, share your vision, and let them know why you're the best candidate for the job.

Step 7: Embrace Authenticity

One of the most powerful tools in your campaign arsenal? Your authentic self. Don't try to be someone you're not — voters can smell inauthenticity from a mile away. You’ve probably seen the Twitter dogpiles that form when constituents catch a whiff of a phony. Be genuine, transparent, and unapologetically yourself.

Step 8: Stay Resilient

I’m going to be honest — the road to elected office is paved with challenges and setbacks (especially for women and BIPOC folks). Know who you can lean on for support emotionally and politically and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Being resilient doesn’t mean you have to do it all on your own. Know yourself and what works best for you when you feel overwhelmed, challenged, or burnt out: this might be setting firm boundaries for work/life balance or taking breaks and scheduling in time for yourself in the campaign schedule. Or it could be completely different — just know, it’s going to suck sometimes, and you need to be prepared to process and pivot, bounce back, or take a break.

So there you have it: a beginner’s guide to running for local office as a progressive Gen Z candidate. It won't be easy, but nothing worth fighting for ever is. So go ahead, seize the opportunity to “be the change you wish to see in the world.” The gerontocracy is real: stop letting older people (who won’t be around for the consequences of their actions) make decisions for your future.

We're rooting for you every step of the way.

Need help figuring out where to start? Book a FREE 15-minute consultation call with a professional political consultant to figure out what you need and how we can help!