How to Run for Political Office

Make sure you really want to run for political office and that your family is willing., Figure out your budget., Find a capable core of individuals to build your campaign around., Research issues in the district you're running in and brainstorm with...

27 Steps 1 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Make sure you really want to run for political office and that your family is willing.

    If you have younger kids, make sure they understand that mom or dad may be a little more busy in the near future.
  2. Step 2: Figure out your budget.

    Talk to officials within your political party to see to what extent (if at all) the local or national party will provide financial assistance.

    Determine what you'll be able to contribute out of your own pocket. , This will likely consist of people like a chief of staff, a fundraising director, a public relations director, and the such.

    The exact scope and makeup of your staff will depend on many factors, including your hiring budget and the level of office you're running for. ,,,, In addition, any other consumer demographics you can find or buy.

    Database, database, database.

    Everything always goes back to the database. ,,,,,,,,,,,, Most campaigns are won on the ground.
  3. Step 3: Find a capable core of individuals to build your campaign around.

  4. Step 4: Research issues in the district you're running in and brainstorm with your core..

  5. Step 5: Research your opponent(s).

  6. Step 6: Develop your message

  7. Step 7: your logo

  8. Step 8: and a simple memorable campaign slogan.

  9. Step 9: Get access to your party's database.

  10. Step 10: Develop a fund-raising plan about mailings

  11. Step 11: speaking

  12. Step 12: Send out requests

  13. Step 13: telephone and meet with major party contributors for initial contributions to fuel the beginning campaign.

  14. Step 14: Generate an initial campaign literature print piece with your background and picture.

  15. Step 15: Order stacks of donor envelopes with a volunteer form printed right on them.

  16. Step 16: Have your Web site set up and ready with the ability to collect money and gather voter data before you formally announce.

  17. Step 17: Make your announcement at an event with the maximum press coverage possible.

  18. Step 18: Get petitions signed and delivered on time.

  19. Step 19: Develop additional graphics

  20. Step 20: posters

  21. Step 21: print materials

  22. Step 22: Investigate multi-media video

  23. Step 23: Coordinate letter writing campaigns to the editors.

  24. Step 24: Prepare for debates and interviews (practice seriously).

  25. Step 25: Organize and motivate volunteers: Phone banking addressing envelopes

  26. Step 26: house parties

  27. Step 27: door-to-door etc.

Detailed Guide

If you have younger kids, make sure they understand that mom or dad may be a little more busy in the near future.

Talk to officials within your political party to see to what extent (if at all) the local or national party will provide financial assistance.

Determine what you'll be able to contribute out of your own pocket. , This will likely consist of people like a chief of staff, a fundraising director, a public relations director, and the such.

The exact scope and makeup of your staff will depend on many factors, including your hiring budget and the level of office you're running for. ,,,, In addition, any other consumer demographics you can find or buy.

Database, database, database.

Everything always goes back to the database. ,,,,,,,,,,,, Most campaigns are won on the ground.

About the Author

J

Judith Harris

Specializes in breaking down complex lifestyle topics into simple steps.

72 articles
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