Founded in 2017, Run for Something (RFS) works to recruit and support progressives under the age of 40 to run for local and state office. It is fighting back against right-wing extremism in key arenas of power while building a bench of future Democratic candidates for higher office. In a relatively short time, RFS has emerged as the most important organization on the left that is building a pipeline of talented new political leaders. 

Why This Work is Important

• Progressives need to invest in leadership over the long term. One of Republicans’ most impressive achievements over the last half-century has been to cultivate rising leaders and invest in their success. These efforts often start at the local level, especially schools boards, as well as on college campuses, and have ensured a strong pipeline of political talent. Conversely, Democrats and progressive donors haven’t made a comparable effort to invest in emerging leadership and, related, have historically neglected state and local politics. RFS is part of a growing push to change that. 

• State and local governments are crucial arenas of power. State and local governments have enormous influence over people’s lives. When Republicans gain power in these arenas, they often enact policies to restrict rights, undermine democracy and worsen inequality. In states where Democrats have won control of both legislatures and the governorship, progressives have passed exciting new policies to fight inequality, expand democracy, combat climate change and protect basic rights. States and localities often act as testing grounds for new policies that can be introduced nationally.

Why Donors Should Consider Run for Something

• RFS has a track record of impact. To date, RFS has recruited over 130,000 young people to explore running for office, endorsed over 2,500 candidates and helped elect some 800 people. In 2022 alone, RFS endorsed 490 candidates and 259 won. More than half were women or people of color. The support provided by RFS was crucial in the success of many of these candidates, a majority of whom had campaign budgets of under $50,000. 

• RFS is a leader in fighting extremism at the local level. In response to growing right-wing efforts to take over school boards and election boards, RFS has prioritized recruiting and supporting candidates for these positions. It does this work in partnership with hundreds of local organizations. With its national profile and reach, RFS has a unique ability to mobilize resources for these low-profile elections and help the left mount a coordinated response to extremism at the local level.

• RFS makes running for office accessible to anyone. The mechanics of running for office can be daunting to newcomers. RFS offers support for each part of the process, including getting on the ballot, raising money, hiring staff and more. Its focus on local and state office makes a lot of sense, since this is where most politicians begin their careers, as does the organization’s focus on candidates under 40, who have the time and the energy to climb the ladder and eventually become formidable candidates for higher office. 

• RFS thinks big. A unique aspect of Run for Something’s approach is that it does not prioritize swing races and battleground states. Instead, RFS is working to create a dynamic and diverse roster of elected officials across all 50 states and in numerous localities. In this way, it has an eye on creating a Democratic Party which is competitive in many more places and eventually capable of creating a strong governing majority. 

• Donors have different ways to give. RFS is actually a collection of three separate but related organizations that support young people running for elected office. These include Run for Something Civics, a 501(c)(3); Run for Something Action Fund, a 501(c)(4), and Run for Something PAC, a 527 PAC. Donors can choose which to support. 

Conclusion

One of the Democrats’ major problems has been an unwillingness to play the long game. Plenty of organizations are focused on winning the next election, but progressives must also think about who will be leading their party in future decades and how Democrats can compete in more places. RFS is locked into these challenges, building a talent pipeline that could remake American politics.