Want to Win an Election? Here’s the Blueprint

“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” ― Benjamin Franklin

Most campaigns fail before they even get started, because they don't have an actual strategy.

Winning is about data-driven decisions, disciplined execution, and outreach to the voters who matter the most to your chosen strategy. The best campaigns follow a clear framework that eliminates guesswork and maximizes impact.

Develop a Clear Theory of Victory

• How many votes do you need to win?
• Who are your persuadable voters?
• Is the real fight in the primary or the general?
• What’s your clearest path to victory?

Action Item: Open a google doc in your campaign folder, and write down your answers to these questions. A written campaign plan keeps you focused. Without one, you’ll waste time and resources on activities that don’t move the needle.

Help Needed? Check out my free guide on Voter Analysis & Targeting.

Build a Strong Team

• Hire or recruit key roles:
  • Campaign manager
  • Fundraiser & Treasurer
  • Field Director & Volunteer Coordinator
  • Communications Director
• Volunteers are the backbone!
• Define clear roles and responsibilities to prevent inefficiencies.

Action Item: Create a new page in that google doc, and list out each of these roles and their responsibilities. Then brainstorm and write down 5 or so names for each role. On smaller campaigns a single person can often hold several roles, so if one name appears in multiple areas, that's a high priority. Then write down 100 names (or more if you can) of people who might be able to help in a volunteer capacity.

A well-structured team ensures every effort is aligned with the campaign’s objectives, so hire wisely!

Help Needed? Check out my free guide on Building an Organization, and sample Volunteer Sign-up sheets.

Budget and Fundraise Aggressively

• Identify your must-have expenses: voter data, ads, staff, and outreach materials.
• Diversify revenue streams: online donations, call time, grassroots events.
• Track spending meticulously—every dollar should serve a purpose.

Action Item: Create a new spreadsheet in that google folder, and call it "Campaign Budget". Then by month, write down everything you will need to spend money on. Sum them up by month and call through that list of 100 people you made, asking them to support you. When a conversation goes well, ask for the cash! Fundraising is nonstop. Waiting until you "need money" is a losing strategy. 

Help Needed? Check out my free guide on Developing a Budget, and my Budget Template free resource.

Voter Outreach: The Core of Campaigning

• Knock doors, make calls, send texts. Face-to-face conversations are the most effective persuasion tool.
• Leverage digital outreach. Run targeted ads, send email updates, and optimize social media.
• Engage the community. Speak at events, earn endorsements, and be present in local conversations.
• Talk to undecided voters about shared values and local issues.
• Register and engage low-turnout communities. Your opponent is counting on them staying home.
• Start GOTV early. Voter reminders, rides to the polls, and final-week pushes determine the outcome.

Action Item: Go to a new page in that campaign plan you've been writing, and write out the important dates, like when early voting starts, the first day to request a mail-in ballot, the day you can start collecting petition signatures and when they're due. Then write out all the actions you'll need to take to make sure you're ready for those deadlines. A campaign that isn’t reaching voters day isn’t really a campaign, is it?

Help Needed? Check out my free guide on Field Tactics & Organizing, and my Six Month Field Plan Example.

Post-Election Strategy

• Analyze what worked and what didn’t. Data from this race informs the next.
• Keep your network alive. Stay engaged with supporters, volunteers, and donors.
• Prepare for the future. Whether it’s re-election, an appointment, or another race down the road, strategic candidates don’t disappear.

Winning isn’t magic. It’s the result of a relentless, organized, and strategic approach.

 

If you’re ready to take your campaign to the next level, let’s connect.

📩 Follow me on LinkedIn for more insights and strategies.

📅 Book a FREE strategy call to get tailored guidance for your race.

📖 Get my book Ancient Wisdom for Modern Campaigns: Lessons from Sun Tzu’s Art of War and learn battle-tested strategies for winning elections.

Winning elections takes strategy—let’s build yours together.