RFS Endorsement Process

If you are running for local or state legislative offices in 2026, the deadline for our next endorsement class is Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 11:00 pm CT.

Run for Something is currently accepting endorsement applications from candidates who meet all of the following guidelines:

  • Running in a 2026 or 2027 U.S. election;
  • For a local office or state legislative office (we do not endorse for U.S. Congress, U.S. President, statewide elections, or political party positions);
  • Born in 1985 or later for 2026 elections; Born in 1986 or later for 2027 elections
  • Running for the first, second, or third time
  • You are NOT an incumbent running for re-election to the same seat (unless previously endorsed by RFS);
  • Running with the Democratic Party as your official party designation on the ballot;
  • OR running as an independent or non-partisan candidate, on a platform of values aligned with the progressive movement on the ballot.

Why these guidelines?

  • We focus on candidates aged 40 or under because this demographic is underrepresented in elected office and among voters. Our philosophy of “you can’t be what you can’t see” means that with more young, diverse, progressive candidates on the ballot, more of our candidates’ peers and voters will be seen and heard in our representative democracy.
  • Our focus on younger candidates is because running for office is tough and mysterious as a newcomer. RFS is here to help support new candidates learning how to run a campaign.
  • If you do not fit in the RFS guidelines, check out our partners’ endorsement application processes.

What the RFS team is looking for in an endorsement application:

We take risks on candidates, but we will not endorse everyone. In order to create an environment where candidates are proud to be a part of the RFS community, we simply cannot endorse every person who applies. When assessing applications, the RFS team is looking for candidates who meet certain criteria:

  • As a general guideline: Your primary election is in 3-6 months, and/or your general election is in 6-12 months.
  • Articulate your “why.” We endorse candidates who are able to explain why they got into the race and their positive vision for their community.
  • Heart & hustle. In many cases, our candidates are not the top fundraisers, but they will care the most and work the hardest. We support candidates who will do whatever it takes (within reason and 100% within the constraints of the law) to win their elections and do their absolute best each and every day for their communities. Our candidates are on Team “Get Shit Done.”
  • Campaign plans focused on voter contact. RFS believes that campaigns are won by having one-on-one conversations with voters. Before applying, you should have developed a campaign plan, calculated your win number, developed an attainable campaign budget, and raised at least 10% of that budget. Need help? Check out RFS Candidate Resources.
  • Community engagement. We don’t believe that candidates have to have been born and raised in the place they’re running — we’re looking for candidates who play an active role and understand the needs of the local community, whether through your volunteer activities, political activism, or through your professional career. Priority endorsement consideration goes to campaigns that are building a grassroots organization focused on mobilizing volunteers and community stakeholders in support of your election. 
    • For candidates challenging a currently elected Democrat, applicants should explain not only why a voter would support your campaign, but also why they should not vote for the incumbent (i.e., policy positions out of line with the community, lack of community responsiveness).

If you need help with any of these benchmarks, join one of our Candidate Intro calls. You’ll hear from our staff about how RFS supports candidates, and there is time for Q&A at the end of the call.

Once you apply for endorsement, here is what to expect:

  • Application timelines: RFS makes endorsements approximately every 6-8 weeks.
  • Basic background check — As you fill out the application, you will have a chance to explain anything possibly contentious that our team may find from:
    • Criminal record search
    • Press search
    • Campaign finance records
    • Social media review

All applicants will receive an email response from the RFS team, whether you have been endorsed, have not been endorsed, or if there is additional information the team needs to make a decision on your application. 

We will do our best to inform you in a timely manner; please do not reach out for updates during this process.

If you have changes or additions to an existing application, please send them to [email protected] and add this email address to your contacts so you are sure to see our response.

Any candidate who receives an RFS endorsement must agree to the following:

  • Having a field program as a central component of the campaign where the candidate participates by knocking on doors and calling voters directly.
  • Fundraising using best practices and using all available mechanisms, including but not limited to: call time, events, email, online, and in-person meetings.
  • Including Run for Something as a strategic partner in the campaign.
  • Giving back time to future Run for Something candidates as an Alumni Advisor/mentor and/or recruiter of future candidates after your election concludes.

Once endorsed, candidates will:

  • Be assigned to a RFS Regional Director who will advise your campaign team;
  • Be promoted on RFS social media and, as available, to media contacts;
  • Have access to trainings, written guides, and templates available only to RFS-endorsed candidates

Final notes:

Please take the time to fill out this application with as much detail as possible. Incomplete applications or applications that lack detail will not be considered.

I UNDERSTAND THE CRITERIA — I’M READY TO APPLY