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 Get Involved in Politics — and Actually Make a Difference
Every campaign has yard signs and headlines. But long before the mail hits mailboxes or the ads hit television, there is something far less glamorous powering it all: people who showed up. They weren’t famous. They didn’t start at the top. They began in folding chairs at county meetings, in borrowed offices, making phone calls, […]
Winning Campaigns Start with a Number
Campaigns are short. Focused. Intense. They exist for one reason: to win more votes than your opponent. And according to veteran consultant Eva Pusateri, that starts with one critical step many candidates overlook—knowing your exact vote goal. Not “about 10,000 votes.” Not “roughly half the turnout.” But a precise number—like 10,237. Because without a specific […]
Political Messaging That Wins: How Campaigns Can Communicate Without Losing Voters
Effective political messaging and campaign branding rarely succeed by leading with policy jargon or technical details. Voters do not engage with legislation the way policymakers do. They engage with ideas, emotions, and outcomes that affect their lives. To understand why, consider a simple example from consumer marketing. Most people have no idea what pyrithione zinc […]
The Seven C’s of Winning Campaigns: A Simple Framework for Electoral Success
Running for office can feel overwhelming—especially for first-time candidates. Campaigns are complex operations involving strategy, messaging, voter outreach, and constant decision-making. After more than three decades as a national campaign consultant and trainer, Eva Pusateri developed a framework designed to simplify that complexity and help candidates understand why they do what they do on the […]
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 […]