See Yourself Running 

Maybe you’re mad, or passionate, or simply ready to make change. Maybe you’ve looked at your local leadership and realized: “Not a single one of them gets me.” Maybe you’ve got an issue you care about and you’re sick of waiting for someone else to step up.  No matter your reason for wanting to lead, Run for Something Civics is here to help you get started.

Find out where you can run

I ran because

“I’m filled with pride that I’m considered a positive representation for my community.“
Nancy Metayar, Coral Springs Commissioner

“People really wanted change and my message truly resonated not just with people who looked like me or shared my ideologies, but with everyone who wanted to see our city thrive.”

“I wanted to make a difference.“
Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Judge

“It was about impact—about changing criminal justice issues for my community, flood control, health care access—just so many issues. I wanted to find a position where I could make that difference. So I decided to run.”

“I realized there were huge systemic barriers keeping people from registering to vote.“
Gabriella Cázares-Kelly, Pima County Recorder

“I had a sense of duty to run; I had to at least try. I was blown away by the amount of support that we received. I explain it sometimes like unraveling, a thread kept going, but it really definitely started out small.”

Why Run?

The median age for school board members is 59 years old.

K-12 education policy is too often dictated by people who are decades removed from what students are experiencing daily. We can and should make policy that impacts students lives in meaningful, creative ways.

The average mayor of a major American city is 58 years old.

The average mayor of a major U.S. city is 58. But city decisions on housing, transit, and climate affect everyone—especially young people. It’s time for leadership that reflects the communities they serve.

Fewer than 5% of state legislators are under the age of 35.

State legislatures shape critical policies—from healthcare access to criminal justice reform. Yet, fewer than 5% of state legislators are under 35. It’s time for a new generation to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table.

1 Gen Z in Congress. Just 74 Millennials. That’s a Problem.

Millennials make up nearly a quarter of the U.S. population—but hold just 14% of Congressional seats. Gen Z? Just one elected member. For true representation, we need at least 100 millennials in office. The good news? You don’t have to wait your turn. You can run. We’ll help.

The Latest

Learn about the work of Run for Something Civics!