November 3, 2021

2021 Annapolis City Election Thoughts

The Three Things You Need to Know Before You Run for Office

Tuesday, November 2, was election day in Annapolis. We went to the polls to elect a mayor and eight council members. In my ward, Ward 2, my friend Scott is a candidate for alderman. I’ve been around campaigns for almost twenty years, and I wanted to share some observations about this race and elections in general.

Be yourself; everyone else is taken

We don’t yet know the final vote count, and we won’t know for another week, but Scott did win Election Day. He received 234 votes to his opponent Karma O’Neill’s, 148 votes. I believe Scott did well on election day, and he will do well once every vote is counted because he was authentic. Scott was himself; he didn’t hold tightly to a particular ideology. He had his views on issues and answered questions directly when asked about his positions. 

Know Your “Why”  

Scott also knew why he was running, and he knew the issues. When asked why they are running, too many candidates mumble and fumble through an answer. They want to serve their community, they want to help others, or they think they can do better. The reality is, it becomes clear early on who is prepared to do the hard work to win and who just wants to say they ran. You must know why you’re running. 

Know Before You Go

You also should have some understanding of the issues facing the constituency you seek to represent. In my ward, the issues were access to public waterways, sidewalk/walkability, and crime. These are the issues you will hear when you go door-to-door and wherever you meet voters. 

If you can be authentic, if you can be yourself; if you know why you are running and can answer that question succinctly, and you are familiar with the issues local to your race, you can be competitive. 

I will talk about budgeting, targeting voters, and a communications strategy next time. If you have questions, you can reach me directly at brandon@bpwright.com. 

November 5

2021 Annapolis City Election Thoughts

Money, Message, Momentum

Every campaign needs three things to win: money, message, and momentum. You don’t need the most money, and you don’t need the best message but without at least some of each, it is challenging to build momentum.

Yours, Mine, and Ours

Every campaign needs money. Whether you raise it from friends and family, or you self-fund, it’s difficult to win without spending some money.

To continue to use Scott’s campaign as an example, Scott reached out to his broad network of family and friends, a benefit, not every candidate has, and he used his message (why he’s running, the issues he cares about) to solicit contributions from folks outside of his network. Just as he asked people to invest in him, he did so himself. He had skin in the game, too. 

Everyone that gives even a dollar, is an investor in your campaign and your success. They are part of the team, the broad coalition of supporters that will help propel you across the finish line. Don’t take them for granted. Keep them invested and engaged. Talk about what you’re doing to win.

I’m talking to you!

May 26, 2022

You Don’t Get What You Don’t Ask For

“You don’t get what you don’t ask for.” Words my father to said me after I complained he didn’t bring me anything after he brought my sister a drink and a snack when we were young.

He was right. You can’t expect people to read your mind. You need to ask for what you want. Lawmakers and regulators can’t read your mind. Frankly, they may not even understand your business. You need to be clear about your needs and ask for what you want.

A communications plan that is clear and aligned with your legislative and regulatory goals will dramatically increase the chances of getting what you ask for.

If you want to discuss whether you would benefit from a communications plan, please contact me at 443-758-5542.