Candidates

Our recruited candidates are 49% female and over 1/3 non-white. They’re between 24 and 91 years old, come from many different states, and are running for all kinds of offices — including State House seats, librarian (yes), school board, town council, and precinct committeewoman.
Picture of 3 candidates who ran for office that were recruited thanks to the Contest Every Race program.

Resources

Considering a run for office? Here are some resources that can get you started.
Serving In Local Office
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Learn about some of the local offices that provide an opportunity to help shape local policies and improve your community.
Finding An Office
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Thinking about running for office? Here are the tools and know-how to find offices up for election in your community.
Training & Support
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Here’s a list of recommended resources for candidate training and guidance to help you run the strongest possible campaign for local office.
Signature Gathering
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To file as a candidate for local office, you may need to submit nominating petitions signed by registered voters in your district. Here are some tips for gathering signatures.
Attend A Coaching Call
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We have expert candidate coaches available for a conversation with you. They can help you think through how to run a successful campaign.

What Our Candidates Say

Texting encourages community leaders to raise their hand and run for office
Texting is Key
"I would not have run if you had not texted me."
Carl Griffin
Candidate for State HD 23
I Should Run
"I would have never ever thought about running if I hadn’t gotten that text."
Christina Estill
Candidate for New Albany Town Trustee
I'm Ready to Step Up
"I never thought about running for office before; I've worked in the medical field for thirty years. Being asked to run, and connecting with our county party chair made a difference. I realized I'm ready to step up."
Hazel Hudson
Candidate for Midland Justice of the Peace
The Needed Nudge
"I was on the fence about running so I thought I would wait, but when that [text] came in I thought “No, I should go ahead and run”."
Michael Markley
Candidate for District 19 Precinct Committeeman
Friendly and helpful
"Filing for your first political office can be intimidating to say the least. The consistent texting, information and friendliness of Contest Every Race was immeasurable, so here’s to a loud and heartfelt thank you!"
Shameria Ann Davis
CCISD Trustee
Starting the Conversation
“Your text asking me to run got the whole conversation started. I had a long talk with the county party chair—and within a few days I had filed to run for the Kansas State House!”
Lawrence Forbach
Candidate for State House
Texting is Key
"I would not have run if you had not texted me."
Carl Griffin
Candidate for State HD 23
I Should Run
"I would have never ever thought about running if I hadn’t gotten that text."
Christina Estill
Candidate for New Albany Town Trustee
I'm Ready to Step Up
"I never thought about running for office before; I've worked in the medical field for thirty years. Being asked to run, and connecting with our county party chair made a difference. I realized I'm ready to step up."
Hazel Hudson
Candidate for Midland Justice of the Peace
The Needed Nudge
"I was on the fence about running so I thought I would wait, but when that [text] came in I thought “No, I should go ahead and run”."
Michael Markley
Candidate for District 19 Precinct Committeeman
Friendly and helpful
"Filing for your first political office can be intimidating to say the least. The consistent texting, information and friendliness of Contest Every Race was immeasurable, so here’s to a loud and heartfelt thank you!"
Shameria Ann Davis
CCISD Trustee
Starting the Conversation
“Your text asking me to run got the whole conversation started. I had a long talk with the county party chair—and within a few days I had filed to run for the Kansas State House!”
Lawrence Forbach
Candidate for State House