A DIY Campaign Starts With Radical Honesty

Often a DIY political campaign begin quietly. A candidate sits at a kitchen table, looks at filing deadlines, checks a bank balance, and thinks, I can handle this—at least for now. That instinct is understandable. Early on, the workload feels manageable. The race still feels theoretical. Optimism fills the gaps where structure has not yet […]
If Everything Feels Urgent, Nothing Is Strategic

By late January of an election year, many women in politics describe the same experience: everything feels urgent. Emails stack up quickly. Advice arrives from every direction. Deadlines appear to multiply overnight. Nearly every conversation ends with some version of you should already be doing this. Urgency often disguises itself as progress. However, when everything […]
The First 90 Days of a Campaign Are Not What You Think

For many first-time candidates—and more than a few experienced ones—the first 90 days of a campaign carry outsized expectations. This period is often imagined as fast-paced, public-facing, and decisive. Candidates expect momentum, clarity, and immediate validation that they made the right choice. That expectation sets campaigns up for unnecessary anxiety. In reality, the first 90 […]
If You’re Waiting to Feel “Ready,” You’re Asking the Wrong Question

For many women considering a run for office or stepping into a more visible political leadership role, the hesitation sounds responsible on the surface. I just don’t feel ready yet. It is a phrase rooted in self-awareness, not apathy. But in politics, waiting to feel ready often delays the very actions that would create readiness […]
Political Campaign Consultant: The Strategist Behind Every Successful Campaign

Behind every winning candidate stands a dedicated team—and often, one of the most influential figures on that team is the political campaign consultant. These professionals serve as the architects of modern campaigns, blending strategic insight, data analysis, and communication expertise to help candidates connect with voters and achieve victory. But what exactly does a political […]
What Is Political Canvassing?

At its core, political canvassing is the practice of directly engaging with voters to share a candidate’s message, gather feedback, and encourage participation in an election. Often referred to as the “ground game” of a campaign, canvassing involves one-on-one conversations—whether at a voter’s doorstep, on the phone, or through digital outreach platforms. While political advertising […]
Understanding Political Campaign Management

At its core, political campaign management is the art and science of helping candidates win elections. A campaign functions like a high-pressure startup—with tight deadlines, limited resources, and one immovable launch date: Election Day. Campaign managers oversee every moving part of the operation—from fundraising and messaging to volunteer coordination and digital advertising. They are responsible […]
The Origins of the “October Surprise”

In every election season, there’s one phrase that stirs both excitement and anxiety among political insiders: the October Surprise. This term describes a major, unexpected event or revelation that occurs shortly before Election Day — usually in October — and has the potential to shift voter opinions dramatically. An October Surprise can take many forms: […]
Facebook Business Manager for Campaigns

(Updated for 2026) Running a political campaign in 2026 means navigating an ever-changing digital landscape, and Facebook remains one of the most powerful tools for reaching voters. To use it effectively, campaigns need more than just creative ads—they need structure, compliance, and security. That’s why Facebook Business Manager for campaigns is essential. This free tool […]
How to Become a Political Fundraiser

Politics may be about ideas, values, and leadership, but campaigns are also built on resources. Behind every candidate’s message, every mailer, and every digital ad is the work of a political fundraiser. If you’ve ever wondered how to become a political fundraiser, you’re considering a career path that is as challenging as it is impactful. […]