Winning. Duh.

What does it take to win a local election?

Political candidates who run in local races for the first time are often unaware of what strategies work in their area. How can I get the best exposure? What is the best way to fundraise? How do I reach my voters?

The American Majority team decided to pave the way for these local candidates by giving them insight from past campaigns similar to their own. Over 50 candidates and campaign managers filled out our Survey for Success in Local Campaigns with insight from their own campaigns. The findings are extremely practical. For example, 76% said the most effective way to reach voters was by knocking on doors. I want to share just a few of the winning takeaways with you now. We asked:

“What one thing should a candidate/campaign manager do in order to run a winning campaign?”

From real candidates, to real candidates:

1. Have a plan that starts with Election Day and works backwards.
2. Be honest!! People are agitated with rumor and vagueness.
3. Be the positive candidate…don’t run against your opponent, let folks know what you bring to the table.
4. Participate on local talk radio frequently.
5. Have good lists! Know the people in your district and know who votes and who doesn’t.
6. Know how many votes you need to win, where they are going to come from, how you are going to get them, and how much it will cost.
7. Worry less about what the opponent is doing and worry more about what your campaign can and should do.
8. Stay humble but confident.
9. Have a reason for everything you do – don’t fly blind or create busywork.
10. Appreciate and respect the time of volunteers.

Look for more results on our blog throughout the next few weeks! We’re excited to include these insights in our in-person trainings this year as we help conservative individuals make an impact in their neighborhoods.