Run for Office
So, you’re thinking about running for office, but you’re not sure about what the next steps are. You’ve come to the right place!
If you, or someone you know, are considering running for office as a Democrat in Summit County, it is highly recommended that you contact SCDP to go over your plans.
Our Chair, our Executive Director, or another party officer will be happy to assist you in evaluating your options and determining what resources may be available to you as you finalize your plans. We believe that running for office is at the heart of the American dream, and while the sacrifices a candidate must make are many, they are far outweighed by the results of having good Democrats in office at every level of government.
What do we look for in a potential candidate?
Great candidates come from all walks of life, and there really isn’t one set-in-stone formula for what makes a great candidate. However, we can offer you a few pointers on the qualities of a great candidate to get you started on your research.
- Great candidates are involved, both in their communities and in the Democratic process, and approach leadership with a servant’s heart.
- They know the issues and they know the community they desire to serve.
- They have demonstrated a commitment to others by volunteering for other Democratic candidates, volunteering for the party, and by voting in Democratic primaries.
- They embody Democratic values in their day-to-day lives, and are not planning on running as a Democrat just because Democrats make up the majority of voters in the community they wish to serve.
- They serve on the Summit County Democratic Central Committee (not required, as there may already be a Precinct Captain in your precinct). Being part of the Central Committee requires one to run for election for this position. It’s a great way to cut one’s teeth on learning how to campaign and to learn about the inner workings of the party.
Candidate Resources
Once you’ve made the decision that you want to run for office, it’s important to review the legal requirements for eligibility to be on the ballot. That includes understanding filing deadlines for candidate petitions, campaign finance rules and more. The Summit County Board of Elections is an excellent resource, especially for local campaigns. Below are resources to begin:
Organizations Offering Candidate Training/Help
Whether you’re a first-time candidate, an elected official considering higher office, a campaign operative, or a candidate simply wanting to brush up – there are many resources available!
Below is a list of organizations that can help you as you get started.
A national candidate training program that offers unique online interactive training courses available 24/7. Topics include Field Organizing, Fundraising, Messaging, Management, Campaign Plans, and much more.
LEAD Ohio fills a unique gap in Ohio’s progressive infrastructure. They recruit, train and support potential candidates for races at all levels of government in Ohio, with a focus on activating true progressive leaders. They have trained over 250 candidates and operatives, and more than half of their candidates have been elected!
Formerly known as Wellstone Action, re:power is a national organization that provides candidate training, management, and other forms of support.
The ODCCA provides this great online resource for would-be candidates that includes important information like candidate requirements, elections calendars, campaign finance reporting calendars, blank forms, fundraising limits, and so much more.
A very important online resource containing information and resources for judicial candidates, members of judicial campaign committees, and other individuals involved in judicial campaigns or interested in rules applicable to judicial campaign conduct.
LEARN MORE
Are you ready?
Contact us at (330) 434-1311 or fill out this form and an SCDP board member will be in touch: