10 things to remember when running for local elected office
Politics, even local politics, is not for the faint of heart, especially today when your family and friends will be pulled into the muck and mire.
One of the worst pieces of advice I received in 2019 was “Ronell, you have to find the middle ground and stay there.” Even though I was spring lawn-green at the time, a month of campaigning had taught me that the middle ground was scorched earth. Coming on the heels of two very videos that garnered our city national attention, my campaign needed to pick a side. And I did.
“I’m for Southlake,” I said at a forum, during my opening statement. “I know this community comprises a myriad of amazing people; I’m running to ensure that more people—including residents—realize this as fact. I’m running to keep Southlake special.”
You’d have thought I called a few peoples’ dogs ugly given the opprobrium that ensued thereafter. I learned that it was too much for me to say “I’m for Southlake.” But, most importantly, I learned that politics wasn’t the politics I thought I was getting into. The game, to recite one of my favorite lines from the TV show The Wire, “done changed. … ”It’s got more fierce.”
I learned a lot during my campaign; I pass along some of it below. I’m convinced that the winning candidates in the upcoming school board races will be applying these tactics and tactics like them in the coming months.
DON’T…
Call people racist simply because you disagree.
Pick fights you cannot win and do not need to fight.
Take things personally. (It’s politics, after all.)
Engage in activities likely to cost you votes.
Make the mistake of thinking that running for political office is like anything else you’ve ever done.
DO…
Understand that this is a small town; people don’t like seeing their neighbors attacked.
Develop a thick skin.
Make your family and close friends aware that they will (very, very) likely lose friends because of your entry into politics.
Make the race about what you will do to benefit others—the school district or the community. (It’s not about your opponent.)
Read this =»» Should you run for local elected office?