How to run for political office in the future?

[Spark]

Do you need a degree in Political Science? What is necessary?

[The Arizonan]

Find an endangered incumbent or an open seat and run the right campaign in that district. Don't forget to move and/or change your party affiliation.

[Enduro]

Find an endangered incumbent or an open seat and run the right campaign in that district. Don't forget to move and/or change your party affiliation.

And be 25 years of age. (I'm not 100% sure about the age)

[ASPN]

Find an endangered incumbent or an open seat and run the right campaign in that district. Don't forget to move and/or change your party affiliation.

I am considering moving to Delaware county, PA in the future. There is a R incumbent in that particular district right now.

Just remember to mention us when you talk about your early years before becoming a politician superstar

[NeverAgain]

My suggestion is to get a job as a staffer in that district, and build up with the local community (Unions, Activist Groups, etc.). Work your way up with that Congressperson, and then run for their seat once they retire (if they are of your party). If they aren't and it's a pretty safe district, you're going to be working pretty hard then.

[LLR]

Find an endangered incumbent or an open seat and run the right campaign in that district. Don't forget to move and/or change your party affiliation.

I am considering moving to Delaware county, PA in the future. There is a R incumbent in that particular district right now.

Just remember to mention us when you talk about your early years before becoming a politician superstar

Well, that's one way to kill your candidacy.

Journalist: Hmm... Atlas Forum *clicks*

*clicks on BRTD thread*

*faints*

Oh Jesus this is some sweet oppo research

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

Why would you want to run for Congress? Best case scenario, you become a Professional Person Who Runs For Reelection and linger in office for decades while your soul slowly dies.

[Illiniwek]

Be charismatic, have access to cash, and be ready to sell your soul and play dirty.

[Orser67]

There's no one way to do it, but Patrick Meehan and Ryan Costello represent pretty typical paths. Meehan got a law degree, then worked for various politicians before becoming a district attorney and then US Attorney. Costello got a law degree then worked in private practice before being elected to local government positions.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

The fact that you want to run for running's sake and think a degree is constitutionally mandated to get on the ballot is enough to prove that you probably shouldn't run. If you supported Trump, then you'd know that part of the problem with American politics is the rise of professional politicians, not civilian officeholders.

That is part of the reason why I myself am giving up on becoming a political operative and am rebooting myself towards a career involved with the grassroots and commentary. I just can't stomach it anymore. I can't stomach the people who four years ago were my heroes when I worked with them on that congressional race I've posted a billion times about. It's soul crushing and if left unchecked, is soul corrupting.

[Anna Komnene]

Other than the obvious stuff (read the constitution), think about it like presenting a resume to the voters.  When people see someone they don't know on the ballot, they usually think "who the hell is that?"  You want what they find out about you to be a good reason to vote for you.  That doesn't mean you need any specific degree or anything, but just take it for what it's worth.

[RaphaelDLG]

1) Be friends with important people who have money
2) Be friends with influential people who have money
3) Be friends with significant people who have money
4) Have money yourself
5) Have an attractive face, or at least one that isn't eminently punchable
6) Be able to talk in a way that instinctively draws people to you/makes them like you
7) Be able to appear normal whilst out in public

[Crumpets]

I've had this fantasy for a while of claiming my family's old homestead as my residence and trying to convince the Wyoming Democratic Party to let me run as their sacrificial lamb for the state's at-large congressional district. I mean, what have they got to lose?

[🦀🎂🦀🎂]

become a high-end male escort in the DC area, and work your way up from there

[Sprouts Farmers Market ✘]

You would be destroyed with those positions, and at the very least should: a) don't put issues on a left/right dichotomy and b) do not discuss social security and healthcare. These issues do not win anywhere, but especially Delaware County.

Fortunately, no one cares about positions. You need to be personable and reach the key pieces of your constituency in person - and most importantly, bring home the bacon. Perhaps that's more relevant for a state congressman than a US congressman, but let's be realistic - there are stepping stones.

[GoTfan]

Well I'm running for my local council in 2018 here in Oz. I'm studying International Relations part-time and our Deputy Mayor is also a Uni student too.

[Cashew]

1. Know influential people
2. Be prepared to break the hearts of some of your supporters as you either change your mind on some issues, or engage in Machiavellian power play
3. kiss up to more donors as you move up the ladder
4. backstab your donors once you have your own base of support
5. Whenever you get in a controversy, attack the biased media.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

Spend $20,000 on a candidate certificate from Trump Electoral College.

[muon2]

You would be destroyed with those positions, and at the very least should: a) don't put issues on a left/right dichotomy and b) do not discuss social security and healthcare. These issues do not win anywhere, but especially Delaware County.

Fortunately, no one cares about positions. You need to be personable and reach the key pieces of your constituency in person - and most importantly, bring home the bacon. Perhaps that's more relevant for a state congressman than a US congressman, but let's be realistic - there are stepping stones.

I don't think those positions are that far out of line if he wants to start at a lower office. I know a few Pubs in local and state office that hold pretty much those positions.

That said, to the OP: Unless you have a lot of money from a successful career, it is generally a bad idea to set your sights on Congress at the outset. Instead act locally. Get involved by volunteering with a city commission and/or a local campaign. Do both and you get an idea of who the political players are and what the key issues are for elections in an area. From there take advantage of opportunities for local offices that open up, and use your network you built as a volunteer to win that office. From there move up if and when opportunities present themselves.

[The Other Castro]

Talk less, smile more. Don't let them know what you're against or what you're for.