Feel-good update: What’s a “down-ballot” race and why does it matter?
Hope you had a relaxing long weekend — we’re feeling rested, refreshed, and ready to take on the fall.
Hope you had a relaxing long weekend — we’re feeling rested, refreshed, and ready to take on the fall.
First, your latest Down Ballot Pledge update: We partnered with NowThis for a video on what down-ballot races are, why they matter, and why it’s important for presidential candidates to elevate them. Watch & share! (And a reminder that 8 of the 10 people on the debate stage next week have signed the pledge… what’s up, Andrew Yang & Bernie Sanders?)
Relatedly: You must read this story on the personal impact of gerrymandering in North Carolina: It’s not just a political power issue. It’s about citizens feeling like their voices & participation matter.
And remember, we only have to flip 9 seats in the Texas state house to control it and have a voice in redistricting in 2021. Folks have identified upwards of 34 seats that are potential toss-ups. Our recruitment efforts are well underway ahead of the December filing deadline. Can’t stop won’t stop.
In other candidate & alumni news…
All four Run for Something candidates who were on the ballot last week WON & advanced to the general election. Congrats to Kegan Coleman (MS state senate), Amelia Parker & David Hayes (both running for Knoxville city council at-large), and Marche’ Johnson (Montgomery, AL, city council).
This thrilled us: The Nebraska Republican Party attacked Jen Day, a candidate for NE state legislature, by calling us an “out of state extremist group.” Jen could use a few bucks if you’re feeling like having her back.
I highly recommend a new book out called See Jane Win by Caitlin Moscatello. She follows women candidates — including our very own Rep. Anna Eskamani in FL — on their campaigns as they face institutional bullshit, sexism, balancing their personal & professional lives, and even, like Anna, being accused of sleeping with a GOP counterpart.
“Historically speaking, a losing campaign has been seen as a prerequisite to a successful political career for men, while women have been blamed for losing elections,” but slowly things are changing, according to the Washington Post. This is particularly relevant for us as we think about both our role as we work with first-time candidates as well as what we can do to support the two-thirds of our losing alumni who consider running again.
Flagging this, because it’s one of our most popular resource for candidates: Next week, we’re hosting our second annual webinar with AFSCME — candidates & volunteers will dig in on how to work with labor during their campaign and how the endorsement process works.
Finally, heads up about an upcoming event: We’ll be in Hollywood on September 10th for cocktails & conversation. Come hang out!
Thanks for making every step of this possible. We’re lucky to do this work & grateful to do it with you.