FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 7, 2025
Contact: press@runforsomething.net

Run for Something Candidates Secure Victory and Advance in Local Elections


NEW YORK, NY —  This week, eight candidates endorsed by Run for Something won their bids for local offices or advanced to their respective general elections.

WIN: 

  • Selina Barajas, Tucson City Council, Ward 5 (AZ)

ADVANCING TO GENERAL ELECTION:

  • William Naeger, Topeka City Council, District 1 (KS)
  • Denzel Anton McCampbell, Detroit City Council, District 7 (MI)
  • Gabriela Santiago-Romero, Detroit City Council, District 6 (MI)
  • Clara Martinez, Lansing City Council, At-Large (MI)
  • Deyanira Nevarez Martinez, Lansing City Council, Ward 2 (MI)
  • Jeff Coughlin, Bremerton Mayor (WA)
  • Zack Zappone, Spokane City Council, District 3 (WA)

“These wins are proof that the future of leadership is already here,” said Run for Something President and Co-Founder Amanda Litman. “Young people are running unapologetically on their values, and winning. At a time when our rights, democracy, and futures are on the line, local leaders matter more than ever. Run for Something is proud to support these candidates as they show up and move voters who are clearly ready for bold, local leadership from a new generation.”

This progressive momentum comes amid an unprecedented surge in young people seeking to run for state and local office. Since last November’s presidential election, over 60,000 people have signed up to explore a run with Run for Something. Surges followed major political moments, including Inauguration Day, key legislative battles, and Zohran Mamdani’s primary victory, which generated 10,000 signups in just two weeks. The organization’s total pipeline now exceeds 225,000 potential candidates nationwide. Over 50 Run for Something candidates have already won election to state or local office so far during the 2025 election cycle. 

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Run for Something (RFS) recruits and supports young progressive candidates for down-ballot offices. Since its founding, RFS has helped elect nearly 1,500 candidates across the country, including 18 candidates in red-to-blue seats in the 2024 election cycle. Today, RFS has the largest database of any other Democratic organization, with over 60,000 people reaching out since November with interest in running for office.