Running for office is one of the most impactful ways to bring about real change in your community. If you’ve ever considered stepping into the political arena, there’s no better time to start preparing. However, winning an election isn’t just about having great ideas. It takes dedication, strategic planning, and hard work. If you’re serious about running, here’s what you need to know to be successful.
Start Early to Gain an Advantage
The earlier you begin your campaign preparations, the better positioned you’ll be to run a successful race. Here are some key steps to take right away:
Get Your Signatures Early – Every campaign requires a certain number of signatures to get on the ballot. Completing this requirement early allows you to focus on connecting with voters and spreading your message.
Build Community Connections Now – Start attending local events, both political and non-political. Your visibility in the community will establish you as someone who cares and is engaged.
Increase Name Recognition – The more people recognize your name, the more likely they are to vote for you. Show up, introduce yourself, and make meaningful connections.
What You Need to Be Successful
Running for office isn’t just about wanting to serve—it’s about being prepared for the demands of a campaign. Here’s what you’ll need to consider:
Community Connections Are Key – The higher the office, the more important it is to have strong ties in the community. Knowing key leaders, business owners, activists, and engaged citizens will be invaluable.
Relevant Experience Matters – If you’re running for a position like school board or city council, having experience in education, local government, or related fields will bolster your credibility.
Funding is Crucial – While school board races may require only minimal funds, higher-profile races demand substantial financial backing. A congressional run, for instance, requires millions of dollars. Do you have the funds or the network to raise them?
Public Speaking and Leadership Skills – You need to be an effective communicator who can inspire and mobilize people, and answer "gotcha" questions thoughtfully and clearly. This is especially important for higher profile races.
Initiative and Willingness to Learn – Taking advantage of training programs, mentorship opportunities, and advice from experienced politicians and party leaders is essential for growth and success.
A Strong Work Ethic – Campaigning is a marathon, not a sprint. From knocking on doors and making calls to speaking at events and answering voters’ questions, you must be ready to put in substantial effort. If you’re not prepared to commit to the work, running for office may not be the right path for you.
How LD3 Dems Will Support You
LD3 Dems helps equip candidates with what they need to know to succeed. Here’s how we’ll help you on your journey:
Training Resources and Networking – We’ll provide training materials upon request, and give you opportunities to connect to the community through events and volunteering.
Assistance with Signature Collection – Our network of thousands of subscribers and volunteers within LD3 can help ensure you meet ballot requirements. (Note that in contested races, voters can only sign a petition for one person. It's on you to inspire them to sign for you.)
Speaking Opportunities – You’ll have the chance to speak at our monthly virtual meetings and other events, helping you reach more voters and inspiring volunteers to work with you.
Website Promotion – Your campaign website will be featured on our candidate page, which receives 14,000 - 20,000 visitors during each election season.
Ballot Guide Inclusion – If you win your primary, your name will appear on our mailed ballot guide, reaching every Democratic voter in LD3 and many independent voters as well. We had a 92% Democratic voter turnout in 2024, so this is a huge advantage.
Are You Ready to Step Up?
Running for office is a noble pursuit, but it’s not for everyone. It requires a large amount of time, effort, and a genuine commitment to serving your community.
So, are you ready to run? Let’s make it happen together. Reach out to communications@azld3dems.org for information about your first steps.
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