Approximately how much cash do you need to run a successful campaign for state legislature or state senate?

I've noticed that the requirements to become a state senator or representative are much less than on the national scale. I know a national campaign costs an immense amount of money and that is why those seeking office need party backing. Is there anyway to create a local state campaign with a very, very small budget? How much money is really needed?

  Topic Politics Subtopic Running for Office Tags state senate campaign budget
3 Years 2 Answers 2.4k views

Nemo Ignotus

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Answers ( 2 )

 
  1. Jess H. Brewer 1718 Community Answer

    In a civilized country, none.  That's what's wrong with the USA, in a nutshell.

    UTC 2020-08-28 09:01 PM 4 Comments
  2. That is a very variable question. 

    What state? How big is your district? I.e., a Vermont Senate single-member District has about 21k people.  A California Senate District has about 931k.

    What towns / cities are contained in the district? Are they walkable? Do you expect a contested race? Is it normal to use TV / Radio / other media in that district?  Do you have a volunteer core ready to call / door knock / write postcards for you?  Or will you be hiring staff / contracting that out?

    When setting a fundraising target for such a race, I would consider the following expenses:

    • TV / Radio advertising
    • Online Advertising
    • Direct Mail
    • Field (phonebanking, texting and door knocking)
    • Lawn signs

    All of those are a function of the size of the district.  Some of these are more or less important depending on the size of the race. For example, in a district of 15k: you need lawn signs or you won't seem serious.  Whereas, in a big city district of 200k people: if you're not on the air you won't seem serious, and the lawn signs are an afterthought.

    Best bet: look at the previous campaign finance reports of your opponents and/or of a contested race nearby.  That should give you an idea of what your opponents are spending.

    If you're a Democrat, please reach out directly.  I'm happy to put you in touch with some training groups that I've worked with who can help you specifically answer that question for your district.

    --
    Brian Shelden

    Essex (VT) Town Democratic Chair
    2020 Vermont State Representative Candidate, Chitenden 8-1





    UTC 2021-05-14 02:10 AM 0 Comments

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