Get Your Politics In Order: Preparing to Run for Political Office
I’ve met dozens of phenomenal leaders who don’t consider running for office. Not because they aren’t interested, or wouldn’t be good at the job — but because they think their lack of political access or involvement is somehow disqualifying.
The truth is, those are the people our democracy needs most. We need everyday folks who aren’t trapped in the political influence bubble. It’s time for leaders who are close to the issues, the victims, and the pain.
That said, just because you have never been to a political rally, met an elected official, and know nothing about the Democratic Party doesn’t mean you have no political life. It just means you’re going to need to focus on making it bigger and stronger.
Politics is about people. Every single aspect of campaigning and governing comes from the relationships that you have built over your life and will build over the course of your political career.
If you know people, you can do politics.
Here’s the rub: All you are going to do for the life of your campaign is ask people for things. You’re going to ask for their support. You’re going to ask for their time, their advice, their money, and their possessions. You’re going to ask for their physical, emotional, and intellectual labor.
Most importantly: You’ll be asking for their vote.
To campaign successfully you need to get used to this idea.
It’s often uncomfortable for first time candidates. It’s even more uncomfortable for diverse candidates, people from underserved communities, and people with caretaking responsibilities.
But you have no choice. If you’re the type of person who *should* be running for office, then you’re unlikely to be able to buy yourself a seat at the table. And even if you can, money is not a guarantee of success and you still have to ask the voters to hire you.
You will not get there without other people.
This is the human truth behind the cold, hard reality of The List.
When you choose to speak to any political professional about running for office they will ask you some version of the following questions:
How much can you raise?
Who have you talked to?
What does your support look like?
Each one of these is aimed at determining viability, and can be answered by the most basic and critical piece of campaign infrastructure: The List.
The List is about who you know, who knows you, and assessing where to spend your time building relationships. Here are some groups of folks you want to start gathering in a spreadsheet:
Your personal network:
Who are you related to? Yes, all of them. Whether they are invited to Thanksgiving or not. Your holiday card list might be a good start.
Who do you work with? Who did you used to work with from your first job through this one? Include internships. Who have you networked with and still have their business card in your desk drawer?
Who did you study with? Or play with at recess? Or sit with at lunch? Or hot box the car with on Saturday night? It’s time to list out those school friends and acquaintances. Start at kindergarten and go through your highest education level, including any graduate programs, continuing education, apprenticeships, or certifications. Facebook can be helpful here.
Who are your peers? Do you belong to any professional organizations? Union member? Bar association? Chamber of Commerce? Networking group? Now is a good time to look at your LinkedIn.
Who do you spend your down time with? Do you belong to any hiking groups? Book clubs? Cooking classes? Do you go to brunch or comedy shows or hang out in one person’s living room?
Your community:
Who are you and your family closely connected to in your community? Neighbors? Coaches? The guy behind the counter at the bodega?
Who are the thought leaders in your community? Who do people turn to when elections come around and ask “who are you voting for?”
Who are the trusted messengers for your community who speak out when something is wrong? Think faith leaders, PTA members, neighborhood watch captains, town council members, community elders who take everyone in and have an open door policy, well known volunteers or nonprofit folks, civil rights leaders, small business owners, beloved teachers.
Have you spoken to them about your potential run for office and what problems they would like to see solved? Have you asked them who they know who could help?
Your party and labor leadership: (Hint: if you don’t know these, Google them.)
Who are the leaders of your local Democratic party? Are there any clubs or central committees that gather in your area? Who are the local elected Democrats and formerly elected Democrats? Are there any notable Independents worth getting to know if your area is more nonpartisan?
Who are your local Labor leaders? Every state has an AFL-CIO, and many areas have central Labor Councils and other unions/affiliates across various industries. Even in Right to Work states without strong labor laws, your local Labor movement is a good resource for advice, people power, donations, and above all: strong progressive policy.
Who are your progressive affiliated leaders? Are there Indivisible chapters? Moms Demand Action? Sierra Club? Planned Parenthood Action Fund? Social, economic, or environmental justice organizations? Who runs them? Who is involved? Where/when can you start meeting them? What information can you gather from them about political infrastructure and needed policy changes?
The List is a living, breathing document. It grows and shrinks with the campaign. Political donors, endorsers, and other relevant parties will be added as you meet them or need to call them. People will come off if they support your opponent, cuss you out for calling, or die.
I have seen candidates who master this be able to gain so much early strong support that no one else dares challenge them. They walk into office on an Excel patterned red carpet. I have also seen candidates skip this step, start from behind, and never be able to catch up on their fundraising, endorsements, or volunteer support goals. Those people rarely win.
A good List is more valuable than facetime with any politician or group.
The Get Yourself In Order series aims to help you get ready to run a campaign for public office. Getting yourself, your loved ones, and your life ready is a process. Don’t skip this. Did you miss Part 1 or Part 2? Read Get Your House in Order and read Get Your Job in Order.
Ready to talk it over with a professional? Book a free 15-minute call with us now.
This piece was written by Eva Posner, President & Founder of Evinco Strategies.