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Mobilizing Local Candidates to Defeat MAGA Republicans

Staff from Contest Every Race wear lanyards and stand in a semi-circle in front of a booth at a conference during the Democratic National Convention.

What We Do

Contest Every Race is on a mission to make Democrats competitive everywhere by ensuring every voter has a choice on their ballot. We run large-scale candidate recruitment programs, support underfunded candidates and campaigns, and foster year-round organizing.

Down Ballot Focus

The greatest threat to the Democratic Party — and democracy itself — is Republican dominance in local elections. Of the 520,000 elected offices in the U.S., Democrats compete in only 50%. This leaves nearly 100,000 races uncontested every year, allowing right-wing Republicans to win unopposed. As a result, they push their agenda unchecked, further consolidating power and implementing more extreme policies.

With more Republicans in office, our future is at risk.That’s why we recruit Democratic candidates and support local Democratic parties to contest every race and win local elections.

"We're very grateful for Contest Every Race's support in North Carolina. They've provided us with fantastic candidates to run for local office in places where we had trouble filling seats. Contest Every Race is a valuable partner to us in supporting rural organizing and making sure we're running a Democrat in every single election across this state." -Anderson Clayton, Chair, North Carolina Democratic Party
What's At Stake

Local offices hold immense influence over critical issues like education, healthcare, and climate change. With more Republicans in office, our future is at risk.

Two women watch another woman place her ballot in a ballot box.

Protecting Democracy

The foundation of democracy — free, fair, and open elections — is under threat. GOP efforts to overturn election results and stage a violent coup remain ongoing dangers. We recruit locals who oversee elections to safeguard our democracy and ensure every vote counts.

A pair of large hands tenderly envelope a smaller pair of hands.

Public Health

As the COVID-19 pandemic revealed, local officials at the city and county level play an instrumental role in keeping us safe from disease and enacting common sense health measures that keep our communities strong.

A woman at a protest holds a sign that says "Defend Women's & Reproductive Rights"

Reproductive Rights

As abortion rights face relentless attacks from the radical Supreme Court and state-level bans, state, local, and county leaders find ways to protect reproductive care. We fight to keep abortion safe, legal, and accessible by electing leaders who stand up for healthcare rights at every level.

A teacher in the background leads a class of elementary school students.

Education

The future of inclusive schools and racial justice depends on who leads our communities. We recruit school board members, local DAs, and sheriffs committed to racial equity, ensuring schools, policing, and social services are fair and accountable for all.

A brown-toned house surrounded by trees. The house has an orange door, a side-porch, and a lush, green front yard.

Housing

The rent is too high, and home ownership remains out of reach for too many Americans. Local city and county elected officials can take action to protect renters and make home ownership more affordable for working people.

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Climate

From deploying clean energy projects to local sustainability initiatives, running for local office is an effective way to take action on climate change.

How We Work

Building Democratic Power in your Community

Recruit

Contest Every Race has partnered with 34 Democratic state parties, 1,500 local Democratic parties, and dozens of aligned organizations — such as MoveOn, Dirtroad Organizing, Run for Something, and the Pipeline Fund — to recruit rural Democrats to run for local office and strengthen local organizing efforts.

Local Party Support

 Contest Every Race's grants program provides funding, training, and tech tools to over 350 non-urban Democratic local parties. This helps them build strong volunteer networks and strengthen their presence in their communities. With our help, local parties across the country have grown their volunteer teams, supported winning candidates, and made a real difference in their communities.

Candidate Support

Running for office, especially for the first time, can be daunting. We offer training, coaching, and other resources to help candidates run strong campaigns.

Get Involved

We can't do it without you

Run for Office

If you love your community and are sick and tired of seeing Republicans run uncontested, you should run for local office.

Run For Office

Volunteer

Our candidates and rural organizing partners need help. Sign up and our team will reach out to you with opportunities to help via remote and in-person volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer

Partner with Us

We work with state and national partners on candidate recruitment and support projects.

Partner With Us

Our Programs

Candidate Recruitment

We’re leaving nearly 100,000 elections uncontested every year. We are on a mission to recruit Democrats in every district where a Republican candidate is running unopposed.

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Local Party Support

Folks on the front lines — non-urban Democratic local parties and organizers — don’t have the support they need to win. We're changing that through our grants program. We’ve distributed over $1 million to organizing groups and are just getting started.

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Campaign Support

Running for local office — especially as a first-time candidate — can feel daunting. You aren’t alone. We're here to be your guide.

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