How to Beat an Incumbent Candidate: Campaign Strategies That Work
Are you about to challenge a popular candidate for office? If so, there’s a good chance that you don’t have much government experience, influential connections, or money. This can make facing off against an experienced, well-known, and well-financed incumbent even tougher. But with the right political campaign strategies, including grassroots mobilization strategies and tactics, you can effectively leverage your underdog status and pull off a win.
Successful challengers focus on two things: exposing the incumbent’s weaknesses and making their own strengths stand out.
This approach allows you to create a stark contrast between yourself and your opposition. You can even turn your own weaknesses to an advantage. (For example, you’re NOT an insider or heavily connected to powerful special interests.)
Key Takeaways
- Incumbents have advantages like name recognition, but their long tenure can make them appear out of touch.
- New political candidates can capitalize on fresh appeal and introduce new ideas.
- Researching an incumbent’s history is essential for an effective campaign strategy.
- Securing funds, organizing volunteers, and using digital and grassroots campaigning techniques are crucial for voter reach.
- Combining traditional canvassing with digital outreach boosts voter turnout.
The advantages of political incumbency
An incumbent is any politician or government official who holds an elected position and is running for reelection. In an election, incumbents often have several built-in advantages that make them hard to beat.
- Incumbents have strong voter name recognition. Depending on the position, such as mayor or supervisor, they may have a lot of built-in media coverage. Even having been on the ballot previously provides a degree of name advantage to voters.
- They already know the responsibilities and expectations of the job. They can point to this experience and highlight their achievements to voters.
- They have experience in the campaigning process and a record of reelection success.
Statistic example: In 2020, 373 of the 394 U.S. House members who ran for reelection won – a 95% reelection rate.
Usually, incumbents also have a financial advantage. They already have a base of donors they can tap for the next campaign. This underscores the importance of solid fundraising strategies if you plan to defeat a sitting incumbent.
What are the disadvantages of being an incumbent candidate?
Incumbents have a few weaknesses, as well. The first can be the most difficult to overcome if an opponent skillfully uses it to their advantage:
- An incumbent politician has a record in office. What they’ve voted on, what they’ve said or done, and their previous campaigns are all out there on the public record. Social media makes it easy to look up history and keep on top of what an incumbent is doing in office.
- Incumbents can become complacent. They may stop producing new ideas or fail to address voter frustrations because they’ve been in power too long.
- Because they are comfortable, an incumbent (or any politician who has been in office for a long time), may lose touch with the people they represent. In some cases, they may even become arrogant or hostile to criticism. Hubris can make them forget how hard it was to be an outsider making their way up the political ladder.
In larger state and federal elections, where voters are frequently irritated by stalled policies or a lack of innovative ideas, it can be especially helpful to recognize and take advantage of these problems.
You can beat an entrenched incumbent with a solid strategy and hard work.
Capitalize on Being a Political Newcomer
There are a few advantages to being an unknown political opponent. For example, when you first announce your campaign, the local media will probably give you plenty of attention. Be open to interviews and use every opportunity to get your name out to the public. Ride the wave while you can. As the campaign season goes on, your coverage will likely normalize.
One of the biggest advantages of being a political newcomer is that nothing has defines you – yet. You have less baggage than your opponent who already holds office. With no previous legislative record or voting history, you can freely stake your own policies and positions on the issues.
Additionally, newcomers can often appeal to younger and more diverse voter bases. By engaging with new perspectives and effective digital outreach, you can appeal to those demographics that incumbents often ignore.
You can introduce new ideas and propose real change to the way things are done. There may be issues that the current government is not addressing. Take an old idea that’s been sidelined and propose it again. This can allow you to define the issues and put the incumbent on the defensive, utilizing opposition research in political campaigns to your advantage.
Study the voting demographics of the area that you are running in. Learn about your voters. Find out what they care about and how they feel about their currently elected officials.
Related: How to Run for Local Office: Tips for a Winning Campaign
Opposition Research: Study Your Incumbent Opponent
Knowing your opponent is non-negotiable.
Research includes:
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Their policy positions, strengths, and weaknesses.
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Their past campaign tactics: do they rely on late negative ads? What demographics do they target?
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Their behavior under pressure: are they prone to gaffes, outbursts, or dismissive responses?
This intel helps you craft political advertising and anticipate attacks.
What tactics they’ve used in the past to win? Do they run negative ads just before Election Day? Where do they advertise? What voter demographic do they specifically target?
This information can provide helpful insights into how to best frame your issues. It will also give you an idea of what you can expect to happen during the race, making effective political advertising a crucial component of your strategy. This is particularly important in areas where elections with incumbents have historically low voter turnout or where local issues, such as infrastructure or education, remain unresolved.
Turnout Strategies: How to Mobilize Voters
Turnout, especially in most local races, is critical to victory.
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Local example: One campaign we worked on won by tapping into voter anger over overdevelopment. By focusing messaging on that issue, turnout surged, and the challenger beat the well-established “good old boy” network.
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State/federal races: Use targeted digital advertising and voter data to find persuadable groups. For example, suburban parents concerned with child care or education are often key swing voters.
Include early voting, absentee ballots, and voter registration drives in your GOTV plan.
State and federal elections requires more sophisticated efforts to drive voter turnout. These efforts might include deploying targeted digital advertising and leveraging voter data in order to focus resources on swing districts or underrepresented groups. For example, targeting suburban women voters with specific messaging that addresses educational or child care needs can make a critical difference in high-stakes races.
What You Need to Beat a Popular Opponent
The primary skill needed to win is your ability to raise money. You can’t wait on this. You’ll need to have an idea of what amount of money you’ll need to raise. If you have a primary, you’ll need to raise enough to get through the first hurdle. Then you will need raise enough funds for the general election. You should either have a large donor base to start or be able to build one quickly.
The second requirement to effectively organize volunteers and staff members. You will need their help with things like arranging public meetings, phone banking, and canvassing neighborhoods in your area or district. As your organization grows, you can recruit volunteer organizers to better coordinate their efforts.
Even local races use digital media and promote themselves through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Platforms such as Facebook Live and YouTube have also become popular. Today, it’s easy for anyone to quickly record, edit, and upload video content. This highlights the importance of building a political campaign website to centralize your digital presence.
For larger races, integrating advanced tools like CRM systems and voter behavior analytics can help streamline your volunteer coordination and outreach. Each team member must learn to use the tools effectively in order to optimize communication and maximize voter engagement.
Play the Game on Your Terms
Every candidate and campaign has their own unique playing field. For example, strategies for state or congressional races may not work well in a local election with a low voter turnout.
As a political newcomer, you might have a unique advantage over other candidates: You are not associated with any previous failures or scandals. Establish yourself as a credible candidate, stay positive, and run an effective campaign. If you do that, then you’ll have a good chance of winning your election!
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FAQs
Why are incumbents so hard to beat?
Because they have name recognition, established donor networks, and a record of election success.
How can I make a strong case against an incumbent’s record?
You can highlight the incumbent candidate’s failures and shortcomings while in office, including missed opportunities, broken promises, and negative impacts on the community. Research and gather facts to back up your claims, and tell voters about them in a clear and convincing way.
What strategies can I use to differentiate myself from the incumbent candidate?
Highlight your unique qualifications, experiences, and perspectives, as well as your concrete plans and vision for the future. Focus on the ways you are better qualified than the current candidate to serve the community and meet its needs. Contrast your differences, and make the race a clear choice to voters.
How can technologies like AI and data analytics be leveraged to defeat a political incumbent?
With AI and data analytics, you can spot where they’re slipping. You can use these tools sift through voter data and social media chatter. They’ll show you where the incumbent’s message isn’t hitting home. Use this intel to craft messages that speak directly to those gaps. This helps you be smart with where you focus your efforts. Target those swing areas or demographics that are starting to question the incumbent’s effectiveness. Craft targeted messaging that addresses these gaps and focus your efforts on swing districts or emerging voter concerns.
How is personal brand important when facing off against an incumbent?
Standing out is key when you’re up against someone with a well-known, established reputation. Your personal brand is what makes you the fresh alternative. Start by being you, authentically. Highlight what sets you apart. Maybe it’s your innovative ideas or your commitment to community issues. Whatever it is, make sure it shines through. This is how you’ll connect with voters looking for change.
How can I handle crises effectively while challenging an incumbent?
Crises can and will pop up, especially when incumbents try to put you in the hot seat. Crisis management requires that your team stays on top of social media and news. This way, you can respond swiftly when something comes up. Always stick to the facts and keep your message positive. Showing you’re accountable and transparent can actually boost your image. It shows you’re a breath of fresh air compared to the usual political games. Crisis response plans should be put together in advance. They should include a protocol for addressing misinformation or attacks, and how to maintain your credibility and transparency in the event of a crisis.
How can I build a coalition of support for my campaign?
Build a coalition of support through individuals and community groups. Reach out to grassroots organizations, labor unions, business groups, political figures, and local community leaders. Build relationships. Listen to their concerns and ideas, and get them involved in your campaign.
What are some key factors to consider when running against an incumbent candidate?
Some key factors include having a clear message and platform; building a broad and diverse coalition of support; effectively communicating with voters and addressing their concerns; and having a strong and well-organized ground game. It’s also important to write a detailed plan, put together a strong campaign team with fundraising skills, and organize a committed team of staff and volunteers.
How can I engage and mobilize voters to turn out on election day?
There are a number of ways to engage and motivate voters on election day. Most campaigns still rely on traditional door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and social media outreach. Targeted advertising to households with a strong history of voting is also effective. Start early to build a strong GOTV effort with a well-organized and motivated volunteer base. Use voter behavior analytics to identify households with high voting potential. Focus your GOTV efforts on these areas. Start early to build momentum and create a motivated volunteer base for election day activities.
Don’t Let Weak Copy Undercut Your Political Campaign
When you’re running for local office, it’s easy to think that words are the easy part. After all, you already know your values, your community, and what you stand for. Why not just write it yourself?
But here’s the truth: the words on your campaign website, print materials, and social posts are your first impression. And when you’re up against limited resources and low name recognition, your copywriting has to work overtime.
Who’s Writing Your Political Campaign Content?
In many small or down-ballot campaigns, the answer is: you. Or maybe a friend, a spouse, or a volunteer with a knack for writing. That’s completely normal, and often necessary. Even if you’re writing your own campaign messaging, the goal should be to make your message clear, focused, and voter-friendly.
You don’t need to sound like a political consultant. But you do need to sound like someone who’s ready to lead—and connect with voters.
Who’s Editing Your Campaign Materials?
Editing goes beyond just finding typos and grammatical errors. You want to make sure that your campaign copywriting:
- Gets to the point
- Uses plain, persuasive language
- Doesn’t ramble or confuse the reader
- Ends with a clear call to action (donate, volunteer, share)
If you can, have someone else read your drafts. Ask: “Does this sound like a leader?” “Would this make someone want to support me?” Bonus points if that person isn’t already on your team.
Do You Need to Write Like a Pro?
Not necessarily. But the goal is to make sure your campaign content does its job, no matter what form it takes. Whether it’s explaining your platform, introducing you to voters, creating voter outreach materials, or getting someone to take action, good political writing helps you:
- Tell your story clearly
- Explain your priorities and platform summary
- Earn credibility
- Build trust with voters
You don’t have to be flashy. But you do need to be understandable and consistent across platforms. That might mean hiring a political writer, working with a professional campaign writer, or simply getting some help shaping your message to make sure it resonates with your target voters.
If you’re writing it all yourself, and you find yourself staring at a blank screen or rewriting the same paragraph five times, you’re not alone.
Writing a Candidate Bio That Feels Real
Your candidate biography is often one of the first things voters read, so you don’t want to mess it up.
The best bios don’t try to sound like a resume. (You’d be surprised how many resumes we get as ‘About the Candidate’ content.) Instead, your bio should briefly explain who you are, why you’re running, and what values guide you. Keep it conversational, relevant to your race, and easy to follow.
Whether you’re running for city council, school board, or a county-level position, your bio should reflect how you’ve shown up for your community, and how you plan to keep doing so.
It should sound like you, just a more polished version. You might be struggling to find the right words to describe yourself, but take your time. Focus on shaping your story, tightening your message, and polishing your copy until it sounds clear and confident. Write both a full-length version and a one-sentence version you can reuse. And remember: this bio will be used again and again—on your website, social media, and print materials—so it’s worth getting right.
Tip: Write your bio in third person, but make sure it still sounds personal.
Explaining Where You Stand on the Issues
For many voters, issue pages are where they look to decide whether you’re worth supporting. But candidates often overthink them—or skip them entirely.
You don’t need to cover every topic. Focus on the three to five key issues that matter most to your community and are relevant to the office you’re running for. Keep each explanation short, specific, and in plain English.
You’re not writing a thesis on each issue (this means you, judicial candidates!). Instead, show that you understand the problem and have a reasonable approach to solving it.
Whether you’re writing your own materials or working with a freelance campaign copywriter, the message still needs to reflect your unique voice and priorities.
Tip: End each issue section with a line about why it matters to voters, not just to you.
Why It Matters for Local Candidates
Your opponent might have name recognition, but you might not. But your campaign website content, social posts, and mailers are your chance to catch up.
When voters search for you, what will they find? A blank Facebook page, or a site with your story, your platform, and a way to help?
Great writing builds trust. It helps people understand what you stand for. And it shows that you’re serious—even if you’re just getting started.
What You Say—and How You Say It—Matters
If you’re writing your own content, take the time to do it right. Focus on clarity, credibility, and connection.
Good copy doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to work.
? Online Candidate offers affordable copy editing services for political campaigns—from proofreading to complete rewrites. Whether you’re building your first campaign website or polishing a mailer, we’ll help you say what you mean and say it well.
Are You Ready for a Political Campaign? Take the Survey and Find Out!
We’re excited to introduce our latest tool: “Ready to Run for Office? Self-Assessment Survey.” This tool is for aspiring politicians and campaign trailblazers. It’s here to help you assess if you are ready to launch and run a successful political campaign.
This interactive survey covers various aspects of campaigning, from understanding the political landscape to gauging your personal and financial readiness. It’s straightforward and insightful, designed to make you think critically about your overall readiness. All you need to do is answer yes, no, or maybe for each question.
After completing the survey, you’ll receive personalized recommendations. These tips are geared towards strengthening your campaign strategy and addressing any gaps in your preparation.
Think you are ready to run? Find out now!
The survey doesn’t ask for or save any personal information.
So, take a moment to check out the tool. Let us know what you think!
Free Tool: Run for Office Self-Assessment Survey
Sample Follow-Up Political Fundraising Letter
Not everyone donates to your political campaign the first time you ask—and that’s normal.
Many supporters will see your first fundraising email or letter and intend to donate, but they get distracted, busy, or wait for a better time. A well-timed follow-up gives them another chance to follow through.
If you think sending another message feels too aggressive, don’t. Second asks are not only common—they often perform better than your original appeal.
Below is a sample follow-up fundraising letter, along with guidance on when to use it, how to customize it, and why follow-ups work across all levels of campaigning.
Why One Ask Isn’t Enough in Political Fundraising
Most campaigns operate on tight timelines. But your supporters? They’re juggling daily life, work, and dozens of messages competing for attention.
Here’s why a follow-up is essential:
- Repetition builds awareness. Many voters need to see your message more than once before they act.
- Timing varies. Someone may not be ready to donate the first time—but might be a week later.
- Reminders increase results. Political campaigns that send follow-ups consistently see better response rates by the second and third ask.
- It reinforces professionalism. Following up shows you’re organized and serious about earning support.
Although it may feel like following up again is overkill, it’s not. It’s a standard, necessary part of a smart campaign fundraising.
Sample Follow-Up Fundraising Letter
Dear [First Name],
Last week, I reached out to ask for your support as I launch my campaign for [Office] in [Town/District]. If you’ve already made a contribution—thank you. If not, I wanted to follow up and ask again.
Every donation helps us reach more voters and build momentum. With just [X] weeks until early voting begins, now is a great time to invest in local leadership that listens and delivers.
Whether it’s $25, $100, or more—your support will make a real difference.
You can donate securely at [Campaign Website] or by mail to [Mailing Address].
Thank you for being part of this campaign and for believing in what we’re building together.
Sincerely,
[Candidate Name]
[Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [Website URL]
When to Send a Follow-Up Ask
Send your follow-up letter about 7 to 10 days after your original fundraising message. That window allows people to catch up—but keeps your campaign top of mind.
This format works well for:
- Email reminders to your supporter list
- Printed letters or postcards to previous non-responders
- Direct messages via online fundraising platforms
You can reuse much of the original content, but revise the message slightly to reflect the timing, urgency, or new campaign activity.
How to Make Your Follow-Up Letter More Effective
Sending a second message shouldn’t just repeat your first request. You want all your messaging to be timely, relevant, and strategic. So, keep these tips in mind:
- Reference the earlier message. Make it clear this is a follow-up, not a fresh solicitation.
- Include a time-sensitive hook. Tie the ask to an upcoming deadline, event, or fundraising milestone. Create some urgency.
- Keep it shorter than the first. A concise message respects the reader’s time and is more likely to be fully read.
- Thank existing donors. Include a note acknowledging those who may have already contributed. Don’t contact them as if they have never donated before. That will probably insult them.
How to Personalize Your Ask (Based on Office and Audience)
Generic messages are easy to ignore. A few thoughtful adjustments based on the type of office you’re seeking can help your follow-up letter feel more intentional—and lead to stronger results.
Local Office (City Council, School Board, Town Supervisor)
- Emphasize your connection to the community.
- Use smaller donation amounts and tie them to tangible needs (e.g., flyers, yard signs).
- Keep the tone conversational and neighborly.
Example line: “As someone who lives right here in [Town Name], your support helps keep this campaign truly local.”
State Legislature (State House, State Senate)
- Focus on the broader impact of policy decisions.
- Reference the need to scale outreach to a larger district.
- Maintain a professional tone.
Example line: “Your contribution helps us reach thousands of voters across [District Number] who deserve to hear what we stand for.”
Judicial, Clerk, or Administrative Offices
- Keep the message nonpartisan and focused on fairness, qualifications, and trust.
- Appeal to civic-minded donors rather than party loyalty.
- Avoid emotionally charged or political language.
Example line: “This campaign is about keeping our courts fair and impartial—not politics.”
County-Wide or Regional Offices (DA, Sheriff, Executive)
- Highlight how your leadership will affect public safety, services, or quality of life.
- Use more structured asks ($250, $500+) if appropriate for your region.
- Balance authority with accessibility.
Example line: “Your support directly fuels voter outreach across the county—through events, forums, and direct contact.”
First-Time Candidates
- Build credibility through momentum, endorsements, or grassroots support.
- Emphasize the value of fresh leadership and the opportunity for change.
- Ask confidently, but stay relatable.
Example line: “I may be new to politics, but I’ve spent years working for this community, and I’m ready to take that service to the next level.”
Final Thoughts
It takes more than one message to win over voters—and the same applies to donors.
Some supporters need a reminder. Others just need better timing. Either way, a second ask often leads to your next round of contributions.
Follow up with purpose. Be clear, respectful, and direct. That’s the way you’ll raise more support from the people who already want to help you win.
Online Candidate offers multiple website packages to help you launch fast and look professional. Find out which one fits your campaign.
Sample High-Dollar Donor Fundraising Letter (With Tips to Personalize Your Ask)
Some donors can make a big difference with a single contribution, and when you’re running a political campaign, you need to know how to ask.
A high-dollar donor fundraising letter is different from a general appeal. It’s more personal, more focused, and written with a specific donor – or small group of donors – in mind. These donors may be business leaders, past supporters, party insiders, or simply people with a strong interest in your race.
Here’s a sample large donor letter you can tailor for your campaign, plus tips on how and when to use it.
Sample High-Dollar Donor Letter
Dear [Donor Name],
I’m reaching out personally as I launch a critical phase of my campaign for [Office]. We’ve come a long way already—and now we’re preparing to expand our outreach and connect with even more voters in [District/Town].
You’ve always been someone who understands what it takes to run a winning campaign. Right now, I’m asking you to consider making a contribution of [$500 / $1,000 / $2,500] to help us cross the next big threshold.
Your support would directly fund voter contact efforts—mail, digital ads, and community events that will help us build the visibility we need to win.
This campaign is about local leadership and practical results. With your help, we can reach more people, build stronger support, and bring new energy to [District/Town].
If you're willing to be one of the key early donors behind this next push, you can contribute at [Campaign Website] or contact me directly at [Phone/Email].
Thanks for your consideration—and for everything you do to support good candidates and better government.
Sincerely,
[Candidate Name]
[Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [Website URL]
Where and How to Use This Letter
This type of letter isn’t for all your potential donors. This one is designed for donors you already know or have identified as capable of making a larger gift. Use it strategically when you’re entering a new phase of the campaign or you need to close a specific fundraising gap. This can be at the start of a race, during tough times during the season, or in the closing days before election day.
You might use it:
- After an in-person meeting or phone call, as a formal ask or follow-up.
- As part of a targeted mailing to previous large donors.
- With handwritten notes or personal calls for priority prospects.
This is about relationship-building and timing. Treat this step like a conversation starter, not just a one-time appeal.
Tips for Writing a Strong High-Dollar Ask
When asking for a significant contribution, the details matter. The tone, the numbers, and the timing all influence whether a donor will say yes or perhaps hesitate. These tips will help you write a letter that feels thoughtful and intentional to the recipient.
- Lead with strategy. Let the donor know what phase of the campaign you’re in and what you’re preparing to do.
- Ask for a specific amount. Don’t be vague. Give a clear range or target that matches the donor’s capacity. (Ask big from big donors.)
- Explain how the funds will be used. Tie their donation to real campaign activity—ads, mail, events, etc.
- Invite follow-up. Offer to talk or meet, or give your personal contact info to make it easy to say yes.
Customize the Message for Your Donors
No two high-dollar donors are alike. Their motivations, preferences, and giving styles vary. Use what you know about them to make the message feel personal, not templated.
- Use what you know. Mention any shared connections, previous support, or causes they care about.
- Adjust the tone. For longtime allies, be more familiar. For new or formal donors, keep it polished and professional.
- Add a campaign update. If you’re writing mid-cycle, include recent news or results to give context and show momentum.
Final Thoughts
High-dollar donors do more than support candidates. They invest in outcomes. That’s why your ask needs to be thoughtful, specific, and timely.
The right letter can open the door to a deeper conversation and stronger support. Take the time to tailor it, and don’t be afraid to follow up personally.
Start your campaign website with Online Candidate and get free access to our Political Letter Generator and other content tools.
Sample Campaign Fundraising Kickoff Letter (With Tips to Make It Your Own)
Your campaign is underway—and now it’s time to ask for support.
One of the first steps most political candidates take is sending a fundraising kickoff letter. This message introduces your candidacy, shares why you’re running, and asks supporters to help you build momentum. Whether you’re printing it or emailing it, this letter helps set the tone for your entire campaign.
Here’s a sample letter you can use, plus practical tips to customize it for your audience.
Sample Fundraising Kickoff Letter
Dear [First Name], My name is [Candidate Name], and I’m running for [Office] in [Town or District]. I’m stepping up because I believe our community needs representation that listens, acts, and gets results. I’ve lived here for [X] years, and I’m proud to call this place home. Today, I’m asking for your support as I launch my campaign. Every dollar counts—whether it’s $25, $50, or any amount that feels right to you. Your contribution helps pay for signs, flyers, and voter outreach so we can start strong. This campaign is built on real conversations and local leadership. With your help, we can get to work and make a real difference. Please donate today at [Campaign Website] or by mail at [Campaign Mailing Address]. Thanks for standing with me from the start. Sincerely, [Candidate Name] [Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [Website URL]
Where This Letter Fits in Your Campaign
Whether you’re running for city council, school board, or another local office, this letter should be one of the first messages your voters see.
Use it early – right after you’ve filed to run, announced your campaign publicly, or launched your website. This is the moment when friends, family, and early supporters are most likely to lean in and help you raise initial funds.
This letter works well in several formats:
- As your first campaign-wide email asking for donations
- As a printed letter, email or postcard sent to neighbors and potential supporters
- As the foundation for your campaign’s first donation page or social media appeal
Keep the message focused. The goal here isn’t to tell your whole life story. It’s to make a clear, friendly introduction and invite people to take a simple, concrete step: make a donation to help you get started.
Tips for Writing a Strong Kickoff Letter
Make the most of your first impression by keeping these things in mind:
- Lead with why you’re running. Share what pushed you to step forward to seek office. Be specific.
- Get to the ask quickly. Don’t wait until the end; make it clear how people can help.
- Keep it short. Aim for 250–350 words. Any longer, and you’ll lose the reader.
- Give people a reason to act now. Mention a deadline, a fundraising goal, or an upcoming campaign event.
Customize the Letter for Your Campaign
A few easy ways to personalize the letter for your campaign:
- Adjust the tone. Want it warmer? Add a thank-you up front. Need urgency? Include a line like:
“We’re working to raise $1,000 before Friday—can you be one of our first donors?” - Include a personal note. Mention something local or share a quick story that shows your connection to the district.
- Sending by email? Add a clear “Donate” button and personalize the subject line:
- “[First Name], can we count on you?”
- “We’re officially in—join our team today”
Letters and emails are still some of the most effective ways to connect with supporters – especially in the early days of a campaign. A well-timed message can raise awareness, spark engagement, and bring in those first crucial donations.
Your fundraising kickoff letter isn’t only about money. It starts a conversation and shows supporters and voters they’re part of something worth supporting.
Get a campaign website with Online Candidate and get free access to our Political Letter Generator and other content tools.
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