Who To Contact To Get Started If You Want To Run For Office

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This is an old Chinese proverb meaning that great things start from simple beginnings.

Sometimes that first step begins with a basic question. If you want to run for public office in U.S., the most common question is, “who should I contact when starting my political campaign?”

Key Takeaways

State or Jurisdiction’s Election Website: For filing dates, campaign requirements, and necessary paperwork.
Local Clerk’s Office: Essential for obtaining the specific forms and applications needed for the race.
Political Consultants and Experienced Candidates: They offer valuable insights and guidance on the campaign process, based on their expertise and past experiences.

The last few election cycles have seen a surge of people interested in seeking elected office. There are record numbers of Millennials and women getting involved in the political process. If you’ve never run for office before, you’re going to need help learning what it takes to get elected.

Fortunately, resources exist to help first-time candidates navigate the guidelines, rules, paperwork, and best practices.

Before you begin campaigning, you must determine what office to run for. Many people start locally. This could be a run for city council, village council, school board, or municipal district. Some elected positions are part-time; others are full-time. All of them require a commitment that can last several years.

Who to contact to start your political campaign

There are several places you can reach out to for help when looking to run for elected office. They include:

Your state’s or jurisdiction’s website
Local clerk
Political consultants
Others who have experience running for the office you seek.

Your state’s or jurisdiction’s election website can provide filing dates and campaign requirements. Contact your local or county clerk’s office for the necessary paperwork you’ll need for the race you intend to run in. This can include petition forms, applications, disclosures, and other filing forms.

You may want to reach out to political consultants who have experience operating campaigns within your jurisdiction. They should know the process of starting a political campaign.

Others who have run for the office you seek may be able to provide valuable insights. They can be incumbents or previous candidates. Since they have already run a campaign, they should be familiar with the process. They may also be able to put you in contact with others they have worked with. Even a perennial candidate can be helpful through their own experience.

Tell no one?

Some people wait to start because, for some reason, they want to keep their candidacy a secret. We once had a local village candidate hold off announcing his candidacy until only a week ahead of the election because he didn’t want to, quote, ‘tip his hat.’

The problem with that strategy was that he didn’t have time to do any advertising. He was well-known to residents, but most probably did not know that he was in the race until they saw his name on the ballot on Election Day.

As you can probably guess, he lost.

While you might not want to make your candidacy known too early, you should learn as much about the process as you can. Once you make any filings or tell people your plans, you can count on the fact that word WILL get out that you are running.

How to register as a candidate

To officially start and run a political campaign, you’ll need to register to run for office. If you have met the eligibility requirements for the office you seek, you can declare your candidacy.

You will need to submit your paperwork in person or by mail by the proper deadline.

Registration provides notification of your candidacy and allows you to form a political committee. You will need a formal organization to open a bank account and start working with campaign contribution vendors.

Who you register your campaign with will vary depending on whether you are running for a federal, state, or local office. The general information required during the process includes the following:

Candidate’s full name and contact information
Office sought, including the district and time lived there
Party affiliation
Committee name

Guidelines and requirements for various offices can vary. State representatives or state senate candidates should consult their state’s procedures and requirements. In most cases, you will file your paperwork with your secretary of state’s office.

For many elected positions, you’ll need to reside in the state, municipality, or district that you want to represent. There’s also usually a time requirement for residency.

Running as a party candidate will give you access to more information and resources. Political parties also help recruit and nominate candidates. Third parties rarely win elections, but they play an important role in introducing new ideas or pushing specific issues.
Judicial candidates often run without any party affiliation. Many states hold non-partisan elections for judges, prosecutors and district attorneys.
If you are running for federal office, you must register and file financial reports with the Federal Election Committee when you raise or spend more than $5,000 in contributions or expenditures.

At this stage, you are registering yourself as a candidate. Registering to appear on a ballot for a primary or general election will come later.

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Abraham Lincoln

Reach out and skill up with candidate training

There are organizations that help train candidates of all types. Here are a few that offer online courses:

American Majority offers online training for conservative candidates.
Emily’s List helps train Democratic women.
FEC offers opportunities for training on the federal campaign finance laws.
GOP Political Education provides candidates, campaign managers, and staff with tools and information.
National Democratic Training Committee offers free training for all Democrats and Progressives.

These are just a few from our full list of organizations that provide political training courses.

Knowing where to start can be overwhelming for those new to the political sphere. There is a lot of help out there – certainly more than there was 5 or 10 years ago. Take the time to prepare yourself before jumping into a race.

FAQs

Who should I contact first when deciding to run for office?

Your first step should be to consult with your local election office or state election board. They provide essential information on eligibility, filing deadlines, and specific documentation required for candidacy.

Can political consultants help in my campaign?

Engaging political consultants can be a strategic move. They bring expertise in campaign planning, voter outreach tactics, media management, and can help tailor your message to resonate with your targeted audience.

Should I seek advice from current or former elected officials?

Gaining insights from current or former elected officials is invaluable. They can share practical advice on campaign strategies, balancing public responsibilities, and the nuances of legislative work.

How important is it to connect with local political parties?

Involvement with local political parties is essential for garnering support. They offer not just endorsements but also access to a network of potential volunteers, donors, and logistical support crucial for campaign execution.

What role does the Federal Election Committee (FEC) play for federal candidates?

For federal campaigns, the FEC is your go-to for understanding financial regulations. They provide guidelines on fundraising, expenditure reporting, and ensure your campaign adheres to legal financial practices.