How Meet-and-Greets Help Local Political Candidates Win Elections
Running for local office is challenging, personal, and demanding. For first-time and experienced candidates alike, connecting directly with voters is one of the most important parts of a winning campaign. One of the most effective, low-cost strategies for doing that is hosting candidate meet-and-greets. Meet-and-greets are simple, flexible, and incredibly powerful for building grassroots support […]
How to Win Local Elections: A Practical Roadmap for Candidates
Winning a local election is challenging, but history shows that strategy, organization, and clear messaging can outweigh money or name recognition. From city council to mayoral races, candidates who focus on a few key issues, build grassroots support, and leverage modern tools like social media can create a winning campaign. This guide outlines a roadmap […]
How Do Your Values Align with Your District
If you’re thinking about running for office, there’s one question you must ask yourself early and often: Do I fit my district? It’s not just a political strategy—it’s the foundation of winning a local election. As someone who served five and a half years as a DuPage County Commissioner and came within 1.5 points of […]
Managing Volunteers: The Dos and Don’ts
If you’re running for office—whether it’s local, state, or national—your success hinges on more than just your platform. One of your biggest assets? Campaign volunteers. Volunteers are essential. They’re not just helping hands—they’re proof that people believe in your candidacy and message. In my 30+ years of working with political campaigns across the country, I’ve […]
How to Connect with Voters
In today’s fast-paced political landscape, successful candidates know that building voter trust isn’t just about policy—it’s about genuine human connection. Whether you’re running for school board or state office, your ability to create meaningful relationships with voters will define your campaign. Sylvie Legere, CEO of Candidate Pathways, has supported candidates at every level of government. […]
Effective Fundraising Strategies
Fundraising is essential for running a successful political campaign. With over 30 years of experience in campaign fundraising, Sara Karlovics offers valuable insights on how to raise the necessary funds and build strong relationships with donors. Whether you’re launching a new campaign or looking to refine your approach, these strategies will help you maximize your […]
How to Become a Civic Leader: 5 Key Lessons
Are you looking to make a lasting impact in your community? Civic leadership is the foundation of creating meaningful change, and according to Kim Borchers, owner of Bird Dog Recruitment and Consulting, it starts with showing up, building relationships, and staying committed for the long haul. Drawing on over 20 years of experience, Borchers shares […]
Unlocking the Secrets of Your Constituents: A Blueprint for Campaign Success
Understanding Your Constituents: The Key to Winning Elections In today’s fast-paced political landscape, understanding your constituents isn’t just important — it’s essential. John Pearman, Chief Operating Officer for Restoration of America, sheds light on this critical aspect of campaigning, offering a data-driven approach to identifying and connecting with voters. “Who are your constituents? How would […]
The Power of Storytelling in Driving Change
In today’s fast-paced, information-saturated world, storytelling is one of the most effective ways to create meaningful connections and inspire change. Austin Berg, co-founder of Iron Light, knows this well. His approach to storytelling has helped change over 60 laws across the United States by making policies relatable and impactful. As Berg says: “Great stories have […]
How Much Time Does It Take to Run for Office?
Running for office is a significant commitment that requires careful planning and time management. Avery Bourne, a former state legislator with eight years of experiencer, shares actionable insights for candidates navigating the time demands of a campaign. “Ultimately, you want to have the amount of time to do the job the right way,” Bourne advises. […]