You’re fired up. A local policy failed your community, a national issue hits too close to home, or perhaps your representative seems more interested in their career than your concerns. Whatever the reason, something has lit a fire inside you, and now you’re thinking about running for office.
But how do you move from passionate citizen to credible candidate?
In Gonna Run: Making the Decision to Run for Public Office, Sheila Christensen explores this journey, offering a thoughtful roadmap for individuals who feel called to serve but aren’t quite sure where to begin. Unlike many books that dive into strategy and polling, Gonna Run focuses on the root of it all: the decision. And it’s this decision that starts with a cause—a deep, unwavering belief that something needs to change.
1. Define the Spark
Before launching a campaign, clearly define the issue that drives you. Is it education? Environmental justice? Public health? Local economic growth? It’s important to identify not just what angers or motivates you, but also why it matters to others in your community.
As Christensen notes, many campaigns fail because the candidate’s personal passion doesn’t resonate widely enough. The key is to connect your cause with a broader community need. This connection becomes the foundation for your campaign message.
2. Understand the Landscape
Once you’ve identified your cause, study the current political landscape. Who is already advocating for this issue? What legislation exists? What’s being overlooked? Understanding the context around your cause allows you to position yourself as a knowledgeable and serious contender, not just a passionate outsider.
According to Gonna Run, this step is crucial: “A cause without context becomes a rant, not a platform.” Research your district, learn how decisions are made, and gather information on the offices that most directly influence your issue.
3. Engage Before You Campaign
Don’t wait until you’re a candidate to start building momentum. Attend public meetings, join boards or committees, volunteer with local organizations aligned with your cause, and get your name, face, and values in front of the community before announcing any candidacy.
Christensen emphasizes that this early groundwork not only builds credibility but also tests commitment. “If you’re not willing to engage as a citizen,” she writes, “you’re not ready to lead as a candidate.”
4. Test the Waters—Carefully
Running for office requires more than passion. It demands emotional resilience, time, energy, and money. Before declaring your candidacy, have honest conversations with your family, friends, and trusted advisors. Are they ready to support you through the highs and lows of a campaign?
As Gonna Run outlines, it’s important to weigh the personal impact of a campaign, especially if your cause is controversial or emotionally charged. Ask yourself: Are you prepared for public scrutiny? Are you financially stable enough to take time away from other responsibilities? Are you ready to lose and still feel proud of your effort?
5. Translate Passion Into a Platform
Now comes the hard part: taking your cause and crafting a compelling, actionable platform. Voters want solutions, not just slogans. Outline what specific policies or initiatives you would pursue. Be realistic. Focus on goals that are achievable within the office you’re running for.
Your passion is your starting point—but your platform is your pitch. As Christensen advises, “Clarity and credibility win votes—not just conviction.” Learn how to speak about your issue with both heart and facts.
6. Build a Team that Shares Your Vision
No one runs a successful campaign alone. Surround yourself with people who believe in your cause and have the skills to help you communicate, fundraise, and organize. From social media volunteers to campaign managers, everyone on your team should understand the why behind your candidacy.
In Gonna Run, Christensen shares how many first-time candidates underestimate the power of a passionate, well-organized team. Even if your resources are limited, a committed group can amplify your voice and keep you grounded throughout the process.
7. Start Small, Think Big
While your ultimate goal may be national change, consider starting at the local or state level. Many influential leaders began their political careers on school boards, city councils, or state legislatures. Local office allows you to gain experience, build connections, and make a meaningful impact close to home.
Remember: great leaders grow through service, not shortcuts.
8. Lead With Integrity, Not Ego
It’s easy to let passion tip into personal ambition—but successful campaigns are about people, not power. Voters can sense when a candidate’s heart is truly in the right place. Stay humble, listen more than you speak, and stay focused on the cause that called you to action.
Sheila Christensen writes, “The best leaders aren’t always the loudest ones—they’re the ones who lead with purpose and accountability.”
Your Cause Deserves a Champion. Why Not You?
Turning passion into a campaign is not easy—but it’s entirely possible. Whether your spark comes from outrage, heartbreak, or hope, you can make a real difference. The decision to run is personal—but it’s also profoundly public.
Let Gonna Run be your guide in transforming your cause into a calling, and your calling into a candidacy.
Your community is waiting. Are you ready to lead?