Running for office can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful. One of the questions I get most often from candidates on their first campaign is talking to your family about running for office.
Talking to family about any new venture can be nerve-wracking, and with a process that might be unknown to you and them, like running a political campaign, the thought of answering questions you haven’t even though of yet can be downright fear-inducing.
In this post, candidates will learn how to talk to family about running for office, how to approach the conversation, and what to expect from family members. By following these guidelines, candidates can build a strong foundation of support and gain the confidence they need to pursue their political aspirations when running for local office.
7 Steps to Talking to Your Family About Running for Office
- Start by setting expectations: Before you begin talking to your family about your campaign, it’s important to set clear expectations. Let them know that you are considering running for office and that you want their support and encouragement. Be prepared to answer any questions or concerns they may have and be open to feedback. If you do end up running it’s alot easier to do with their support. If you’ve got kids, your significant other will need to pickup some of the slack while you’re out at meetings and campaign events. You might not know how much time that will be yet, but they should know there may some extra commitment on their part.
- Choose the right time: Timing is everything when it comes to talking to your family. Make sure you choose a time when everyone is relaxed and receptive to conversation. Avoid bringing up the topic during stressful times, such as holidays or family gatherings.
- Be honest and transparent: When talking to your family about running for office, be honest and transparent about your intentions and goals. Let them know why you are interested in running and what you hope to achieve if elected. I recommend connecting with the reason you are running. Checkout our post on “finding your why” to learn more about how to do that.
- Listen actively: Active listening is crucial when talking to your family about your campaign. Make sure you listen carefully to their concerns and opinions, even if you don’t agree with them. They can provide valuable insights from their own perspectives as community members and that information can be used directly in your messaging and campaign materials. This will help build trust and strengthen the relationship between you and your family members.
- Be respectful of their views: It’s important to respect your family members’ views and opinions, even if they are different from yours. Avoid arguing or getting defensive when discussing politics or running for office. Instead, focus on building a dialogue and finding common ground.
- Getting active support: When talking to your family about running for office, if they are responsive to the idea and generally supportive, start to tease the idea that you’ll need their active support and help on the campaign. This could include helping with campaign logistics like administrative tasks, canvassing, phone banking, providing emotional support, or simply being there to listen when they need it. Getting family support offers a few advantages like keeping staff costs down, working with people you know have your best interests at heart, and even the potential to strengthen family relationships while working together.
- Be yourself: Finally, when talking to your family about running for office, be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not or present a false image of yourself. By being authentic and honest, you can build a strong foundation of trust and gain the support you need to pursue your political aspirations.
In conclusion, talking to your family BEFORE you start campaigning is an important step in building a strong foundation of support. Your family members and close friends are going to be your first volunteers and your most ardent supporters. Getting their buy-in early is essential to your campaign, to keep costs down, and to help you navigate and overcome challenges that will arise later in the campaign.
If you’re still unsure of how to talk to your family about running for office, remember the old adage: honesty is always the best policy. With open communication and active listening, candidates can build a strong foundation of trust with their loved ones and gain the support they need to succeed in their campaigns.
