Although 2025 is off to an unprecedentedly chaotic and scary time, we would like to affirm a few critical points about our work. Contest Every Race is doubling down on our mission to make Democrats competitive everywhere — no matter the state, no matter the district, and no matter the barriers faced.

Read on to hear how, instead of retreating during times of uncertainty, we are emboldened by the needs of this moment.

Welcome Zoë Stein as the New Executive Director of Contest Every Race!

Zoë joined Movement Labs in 2024 to lead the Political Innovations team, where they spearheaded innovative programs to engage voters in new ways. With deep roots in local campaigns and a passion for political innovation, Zoë steps into this role at a critical time as we expand our programs.

A Message from Zoë:

“I’m honored and excited to take on this new role at Contest Every Race. We have an incredible team and a bold vision to win more local elections, recruit a diverse slate of candidates, and strengthen year-round organizing in all 50 states. This January, our team reflected on the 2024 elections and developed a plan not just to regain power, but to make lasting investments in our democracy—expanding civic third spaces and growing our candidate pipeline with a long-term strategy through 2028 and beyond.

I’m deeply grateful to my team, to Lauren Gepford, and to our partners, donors, and supporters for believing in this mission. Together, we will continue building power at the local level.”

A Message from Lauren Gepford, Outgoing Executive Director:

“These times demand bold leadership and a 50-state strategy to strengthen local organizing and candidate recruitment. I’m thrilled to see Zoë step into this role and build upon the strong foundation we’ve created. Zoë’s experience in local campaigns and political innovation, coupled with their passion for this work, makes them an exceptional leader for Contest Every Race.

As I transition to new initiatives at Movement Labs, I will continue supporting Contest Every Race as an advisor. I’m grateful to our incredible team, partners, and supporters who make this work possible.”

Our New Website is Here!

We're thrilled to launch our new website and branding today! Check out our new home on the web at contesteveryrace.com.

We've focused on imagery and symbols which highlight the power of everyday people running for local offices. Our updated website contains more resources for candidates and leaders of local Democratic clubs and committees.

As we continue to grow our programs and double down on our mission, we're excited for this refresh to help us reach even more people.

‍To support our next chapter and help us fund local organizing and candidate recruitment, you can make a donation here.

2025 Grants Applications Now Open — Apply by April 7th!!

A flyer inviting local Democratic Parties and affiliated organizations to apply for the 2025-2026 grants program. Deadline to Apply is April 7. Benefits include: Up to $600 granted quarterly, virtual monthly trainings, free texting, briefings & training sessions hosted by experienced organizers.

‍‍Click here for more info, including how to apply.

Our New Program: Contest Every Race Texas Candidate Academy

Contest Every Race Texas Candidate Academy logo

We've launched candidate training and support for folks running in local races across Texas for the May 3rd election. With over 50 candidates applying to this program, we know more local leaders are hungry to step up and run for office.

Candidates will receive training, community support, and free campaign tools. One of the tools candidates will receive access to is RunningMate. RunningMate, powered by Civitech, is a powerful campaign tool that provides data visualization, interactive maps, custom list creation and voter targeting. Thank you, Civitech, for helping us make our Texas Candidate Program a success!

‍Contest Every Race Press Round Up

This article discusses the Democratic Party’s efforts to secure Michigan in 2025, highlighting how groups like Contest Every Race are working to recruit candidates in down-ballot races to boost turnout in key rural areas.

A coalition of progressive groups, including Contest Every Race, is calling on Democrats to invest more in rural and working-class voter outreach to close the engagement gap ahead of critical elections.

Contest Every Race and the Pennsylvania Democratic Party have teamed up on a statewide initiative to recruit candidates for local offices, aiming to fill as many uncontested races as possible.

This piece covers Ken Martin’s election as DNC Chair and mentions Contest Every Race as a key player in grassroots candidate recruitment efforts that align with his vision for party expansion.

This article highlights how party leaders in Ohio are strategizing for the 2025 elections, with both Democrats and Republicans focusing on candidate recruitment and voter engagement to strengthen their positions in upcoming local races. Contest Every Race is recruiting candidates in Ohio.

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