How To Run For Local Office
Kiplinger's Personal Finance|January 2020
If you’ve ever thought that you could do a better job than the elected officials currently in office, here’s how to launch a campaign—and win.
Kaitlin Pitsker
How To Run For Local Office

When Kathy Tran decided to run for the Virginia state legislature two years ago, the only political experience she could cite was serving as president of the PTA at her children’s school. Tran says she didn’t have political ambitions—until after the 2016 election.

“The outcomes of the November 2016 election were incredibly concerning, and I couldn’t sit on the sidelines,” says Tran, who lives in West Springfield, Va., with her husband, Matt, and their four children . Tran’s parents had fled Vietnam when she was seven months old, and President Trump’s less-welcoming immigration policies worried her. “I needed to stand up for the values—hope, opportunity and freedom—that my parents risked their lives for,” she says.

In early 2017, with a one-month-old daughter at home, Tran decided to run for a seat in the House of Delegates. She had time to campaign because she was on maternity leave from her job at an immigration advocacy group. She won the seat in her district in the November 2017 election, and she was elected to a second term on November 5. Photos of Tran appeared in the Washington Post when she brought her baby daughter to the first day of the new legislative session (and discreetly breast-fed her). “Running and serving has been a wild ride unlike any other,” says Tran.

DECIDING TO RUN

Maybe you’ve worked on political campaigns, or volunteered for a community organization, or become an advocate for a local issue. Running for office can be an even more rewarding opportunity to spur change and serve your community. State and local offices—which are usually part-time, paid positions—can shape everything from health services and education to criminal justice.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 2020 من Kiplinger's Personal Finance.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 2020 من Kiplinger's Personal Finance.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من KIPLINGER'S PERSONAL FINANCE مشاهدة الكل
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF DISABLED VETERANS
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF DISABLED VETERANS

He suffered grave injuries in the line of duty. Now he helps other veterans who have disabilities.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
DO YOU NEED UMBRELLA INSURANCE?
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

DO YOU NEED UMBRELLA INSURANCE?

A policy can protect you from financially devastating events.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Navigating Finances as a Blended Family
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Navigating Finances as a Blended Family

Money matters can get complicated when two families unite. Planning is key.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
BREAKING UP WITH YOUR BROKER
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

BREAKING UP WITH YOUR BROKER

Be aware of these challenges when you move your money to a new home.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
CHOOSE A MEDICARE PLAN THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

CHOOSE A MEDICARE PLAN THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU

Consider your health care needs over the long term as you weigh costs and coverage.

time-read
9 mins  |
November 2024
Keep Faith in These Stocks
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Keep Faith in These Stocks

IN 1997, I coined the phrase “faith-based investing.” It has nothing to do with religion or with picking stocks at random.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
OUR ESG PICKS ARE THRIVING
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

OUR ESG PICKS ARE THRIVING

Despite an ongoing backlash, our favorite stocks and funds focused on environmental, social and corporate governance issues had a good year overall.

time-read
9 mins  |
November 2024
MONEY MANNERS FOR THE MODERN AGE
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

MONEY MANNERS FOR THE MODERN AGE

The customs for splitting a restaurant check, purchasing a wedding gift, tipping and more have evolved. These guidelines can help.

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2024
ELECTION 2024: POLITICS AND YOUR PORTFOLIO
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

ELECTION 2024: POLITICS AND YOUR PORTFOLIO

Who wins the White House matters—but only at the margins when it comes to your investments.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
YOUR GUIDE TO OPEN ENROLLMENT
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

YOUR GUIDE TO OPEN ENROLLMENT

With health care costs on the rise, it’s critical to select a plan that fits your needs at the right price.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024