The Off Year
The midterms end in 36 days. Then you have to tell your donors why your race matters.
Sept 2026
Strategy
6 min read
Strategy
6 min read
The Deferral
“Call me later” is only worth something if you walk away with a time.
Publishing Oct 5
Call time
Call time
The Hours
The number of hours matters. Showing up every week matters more.
Publishing Oct 12
Call time
Call time
The Number
Most finance plans are built backwards from what feels achievable. Here is how to build one from what the race actually costs.
Publishing Oct 19
Finance plans
Finance plans
The Treasurer
Most first time campaigns hand the job to whoever offers. The amended reports show up six months later.
Publishing Oct 26
Compliance
Compliance
The February Race
Off cycle calendars break the assumptions most campaign budgets are built on. Chicago is the clearest example.
Publishing Nov 2
Finance plans
Finance plans
The Lost Eighteen Months
The number at the bottom is the easy part. The calendar that gets you there is where campaigns go wrong.
Publishing Nov 9
Finance plans
Finance plans
The Second Gift
Most campaigns spend to find new donors while the ones who already said yes go quiet. The second gift is cheaper than the first.
Publishing Nov 16
Donor strategy
Donor strategy