Talking to Your Family About Running for Office

Running for office can be exciting and rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful. One of the questions I get most often from candidates on their first campaign is about talking to your family about running for office.

Talking to family about any new venture is nerve-wracking. Add a process that might be unknown to you and to them — like running a political campaign — and the thought of answering questions you haven’t even thought of yet can be downright fear-inducing.

In this post you’ll learn how to talk to your family about running for office, how to approach the conversation, and what to expect from family members. Follow these guidelines and you’ll build a strong foundation of support and the confidence you need to pursue your political aspirations.

7 steps to talking to your family about running for office

1. Start by setting expectations. Before you begin, set clear expectations. Let them know you’re considering running for office and that you want their support and encouragement. Be prepared to answer questions or concerns, and be open to feedback. If you do end up running, it’s a lot easier to do with their support. If you’ve got kids, your significant other will need to pick up 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 be some extra commitment on their part.
2. Choose the right time. Timing is everything. Choose a time when everyone is relaxed and receptive to conversation. Avoid bringing it up during stressful times, like holidays or big family gatherings.
3. Be honest and transparent. Be honest about your intentions and goals. Let them know why you’re interested in running and what you hope to achieve if elected. I recommend connecting it back to the reason you’re running — see Finding Your ‘Why’ Before You Launch Your Campaign to learn how to do that.

4. Listen actively. Active listening is crucial. Listen carefully to their concerns and opinions, even if you don’t agree with them. They can provide valuable insight from their own perspective as community members, and that information can be used directly in your messaging and campaign materials. It also builds trust and strengthens the relationship between you.
5. Be respectful of their views. Respect your family members’ views and opinions, even when they differ from yours. Avoid arguing or getting defensive when discussing politics or running for office. Focus on building a dialogue and finding common ground.
6. Ask for active support. If they’re responsive to the idea and generally supportive, start to tease the idea that you’ll need their active help on the campaign. That could be campaign logistics and administrative tasks, canvassing, phone banking, emotional support, or simply being there to listen. Family support keeps staff costs down, means working with people who have your best interests at heart, and can even strengthen those relationships as you work together.
7. Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not or present a false image of yourself. By being authentic and honest you build a foundation of trust and gain the support you need.

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 — it keeps costs down and helps you navigate the challenges that will arise later in the campaign.

If you’re still unsure 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, you can build a strong foundation of trust with your loved ones and gain the support you need to succeed.