My name is Louis Elrod. I’m the Political Director at Better Georgia, and since 2008 I have managed campaigns at the local and state level, helping candidates and organizations win progressive victories in a red state. Activists like me have helped a lot of people run for office, and we know there’s a huge amount of information that first-time candidates need to learn quickly. That’s why we put together this six-episode podcast featuring interviews and advice from the best campaign professionals we could find. Stepping up to run is a major undertaking, but we hope that Better Georgia’s Candidate School can make it just a bit easier.
This is Lesson 1: Making Your Decision. Listen in to learn what first-time candidates need to know before they run for office, and how you can hit the ground running on your first campaign.
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If something needs to be done and you’re the only person who can do it, then you have a duty and a responsibility to step up.” – Deborah Gonzalez
Show Notes:
- Why ordinary people find themselves running for office
- How Kendra Cotton has helped first-time candidates in their first stages
- What complications may arise for first-time candidates
- The many different factors you should consider of your personal life before running
- Kendra’s advice for people who are afraid of fundraising
- What kind of help you can get from your local political organizations
- When shouldn’t a candidate run for office?
- Why it’s imperative you understand the reach of the position you’re running for
- Why Kendra recommends working your way up the ladder instead of running for Congress on your first campaign
- Why Deborah Gonzalez ran for office for the first time
- How Deborah won her first race despite being outraised financially four to one.
- Louis Elrod’s advice for those interested in running for office for the first-time
I am of the opinion that if you want to run for something, let’s figure out how to make that happen.” – Kendra Cotton
Listen to the other episodes of Candidate School:
- Candidate School Lesson 2: Setting Up Your Campaign
- Candidate School Lesson 3: Raising Money
- Candidate School Lesson 4: Field
- Candidate School Lesson 5: Communications
- Candidate School Lesson 6: Hiring Staff
Links Mentioned:
- Connect with Kendra Cotton:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Website
- Connect with Deborah Gonzalez:
If you are a passionate progressive and you’re confident in your ability to run a strong race, then don’t let anything hold you back.” – Louis Elrod