Lessons Learned for First-Time Political Candidates
Entering the world of politics can be exciting and scary all at once. Don’t be overwhelmed! After working with many first-time candidates, we’ve learned a few things that can help get you over the finish line.
Stick to your message, and don’t get distracted from it.
Decide what you stand for and what you want to achieve. Identify key issues and create your message. Your policy platform is your guiding light. Clarity and consistency helps to build trust and credibility with voters. And whatever you do, don’t give in to the chaos around you. In politics there are winners and losers, and everyone wants to distract you. It’s all too easy to suddenly find yourself obsessed with a niche issue that won’t help with your ultimate goal: more voters.
Build a team you trust and respect.
It takes a village to raise a kid, and to win a political race. Surround yourself with a diverse group of people who believe in what you believe but won’t be afraid to question you. Look for skills and expertise in areas you may lack, such as fundraising, social media, or field work. Your team represents you, so choose wisely. Volunteers are the heart and soul of any campaign, but you need an experienced consultant (like Good Rebellion!) to help map out and carry out a winning strategy.
Meet your neighbors.
Knock. On. Doors. This point cannot be repeated often enough. Lawn signs, newspaper ads, and social media are critical communications channels to reach your voters, but they have never won an election on their own, and you will not be the first do so. Attend events, visit local businesses, and make phone calls. Listen to concerns and ask for feedback. This will not only help you understand the issues that matter most, but it also gives you an opportunity to win support.
Have thick skin.
Politics is not a social club. Everyone involved is doing so for a reason, so don’t be surprised when opposition comes a-knocking. You might find yourself the subject of attack ads, competitors might twist the truth about you, and in a really tough race, stories might run about your past or even your family. The best way to deal with is to be prepared for it: get everything on the table with your senior team members so nothing can come as a surprise. And remember to stay focused on not let any of the negativity distract you from your goals.
Don’t ever lie.
It’s been said again and again, but it needs to be repeated: George Santos is not the model you want to emulate. It doesn’t matter if the lie is big or small, being dishonest with your constituents can only lead to eventual trouble. Believe it or not, Americans appreciate realness. Did you smoke pot in high school? Did an unfortunate picture from college suddenly appear? Own it. Be human. And pivot back to what matters.
It’s become a tribal world out there in the land of politics. Michelle Obama famously advised that “when they go low, we go high.” That might not always work in the face of a 24-hour news cycle, but as long as you never go lower than they do, you can finish your campaign with your head up high, win or lose. This is your first race – the marathon to make real change lies ahead.
Are you looking to run a different kind of political campaign? Good Rebellion leverages its insights from purpose-driven industries to ensure candidates can stand out from the crowd without sacrificing what they stand for. Reach out today for a free consultation.
