Get Your House in Order: Preparing to run for Political Office
Does this sound familiar?
You’re reading the news in near-constant despair. You’re frustrated by the lack of action from your elected leaders on everything from homelessness to drug prices.
You’re thinking maybe you can do a better job. And you might be right.
This is where it starts.
But does it mean you’re ready to take the leap and run for office?
As a firm that specializes in working with first time candidates, one of the phenomena we witness most is the adjustment candidates have to make in their daily lives to make politics fit.
It’s not an easy transition. And frankly, candidate training and recruitment programs fail horribly to prepare candidates for the realities they are about to face.
The theory is that if anyone knew, no one would run. But at Evinco, we believe in transparency, and that people deserve to know what they’re getting themselves into. We believe you’re stronger than you’re given credit for. And selfishly, if you deal with these issues before you sign your consulting contract…we believe our jobs will be a lot easier.
Whether 6 months from now, or 6 years from now, you should start preparing your life to change in a drastic way. Much like repairing your credit to buy a home, or taking couples counseling before getting married, working ahead can only benefit you and make the life change easier.
Here are some things to think and talk about with the people who make your life happen. Although these are separated out to think through your life’s various stakeholders, many of the questions apply to more than one group.
Extended Family:
Are your parents/siblings/cousins supportive of the idea? (Hint: They do not have to be. If they are not, this simply informs a boundary you will need to enforce.)
Are they willing to do campaign work? (Knocking doors, raising money, volunteer management, etc) Can they step in to do personal life tasks when you focus on the campaign? (Shopping, laundry, pick up the kids from school)
How public are they willing to be with the campaign?
Are they willing/able to donate funds and/or time? How much of each?
Partner:
First and foremost: how strong is your partnership? If you’re likely to get divorced or separate if there is too much more stress in the household, then now may not be the time for you to run. The limelight never makes this better.
Which parts of your workload in the home can they pick up?
Which parts of your workload are nonnegotiable and you MUST make time for?
How will you make room for your relationship? Date nights? Anniversaries? Knocking on doors together?
How public are they willing to be with the campaign? Will they speak for you at rallies and fundraisers? Appear by your side at press conferences? Or simply pose for a few family photos and otherwise remain in the background.
How often are you allowed to run campaign-related or political information past them? Will they enjoy being your confidant or will they find the endless stream of political drama annoying?
Are there parts of their life they will need to curtail to make room for the campaign? Is this doable? For example, if you are running for school board and your partner is a teacher, how will this impact what they say and do at work or around their colleagues?
How will you handle it when you don’t agree on something politically?
Are there topics they should steer clear of on social media?
Are they supportive of giving up night and weekend time with you?
Kids:
How old are your kids? Do they need round-the-clock childcare or can you just ensure someone shows up for important moments?
What times do they go to and get home from school? Who will ensure that happens?
How will you ensure they are fed?
What kind of campaign events can you hold that are family friendly so your kids can join you on the trail as much as possible within their comfort zone?
Does your state allow you to use campaign donations for childcare?
Do your children understand how often you will not be home and why the work you’re doing is important?
What sacred time can you set aside with them so you don’t lose touch?
What happens in the case of a medical emergency if you are the primary emergency contact but are at a campaign event and are hard to reach?
Friends:
Can your friends fill any of the gaps in your personal life that you have to step away from to focus on the campaign? Cut your yard? Feed your dog? Take your car to get an oil change?
If you have friends who are politically involved, can they introduce you around to expand your network? Can they complete campaign tasks until you find staff? Are they maybe even willing to be hired on? Or is it best to keep your friendship separate to avoid corrupting it with politics?
A question for each of these groups is: Which kinds of campaign tasks will they enjoy?
If they hate talking to people, expecting them to canvas is going to end poorly for you. But, perhaps you can trust them with spreadsheets full of contact information or they can build you a website. On the other hand, if they are an extravert and you never schedule fundraisers so they can attend, it will cause resentment. It depends on the person, and you have to respect them.
Campaigns have a million little pieces. For the health of your relationships, you should work to find the parts that fit the people you love best and be grateful for whatever help they do provide.
Do not sacrifice your most precious relationships on the altar of politics. It will never be worth it.
The Get Yourself In Order series aims to help you get ready to run a campaign for public office. Getting yourself, your loved ones, and your life ready is a process. Don’t skip this.
Out now! Read Part 2, Get Your Job in Order, and Part 3, Get Your Politics in Order!
Ready to talk it over with a professional? Book a free 15-minute consultation call here.
This piece was written by Eva Posner, President & Founder of Evinco Strategies