Hi John,
I was the outsider in my mayoral race: A first-time candidate up against seasoned politicians, including one who'd run for president.
But I won -- I'll be the next mayor of Cleveland in January, and I couldn't have done it without Run for Something.
Run for Something was the
first national PAC to endorse me – that gave our campaign a huge boost in credibility both locally and nationally and put our race on the map.
I'm so grateful for the support and advice we received -- special shout-out to Regional Director Kandice Harris who spent over a year helping us out. Her experience in mayoral races was helpful in moments when we had our doubts. Kandice helped us with everything from planning my launch to developing our field strategy to getting out the vote. She even came to Cleveland on Election Day.
When you're running for office, a lot of folks will have advice. Advice on what issues to prioritize, how to talk to voters, what kind of ads to run.
But few people show up willing to do whatever you need in the way Run for Something does.
So I'm reaching out, John, because I know there are candidates out there just like me -- young, diverse progressives who can bring new energy to their communities if they have the right support.
Run for Something made a huge difference in my race, and now I want to help do the same for others. Can you chip in
$5
or anything you can to help diverse, young progressives run for office and win?
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Running for office had been on my mind for years before I decided to run, but still, making that leap was hard.
Some people told me I should wait my turn, others asked "Who is Justin Bibb?"
I'm the son of a social worker and a first responder, still paying off my student loans. I worked full-time while running for office. My primary opponents had years to build up name recognition, a war chest, and established political networks.
I knew we were in a moment for change after seeing the local response to the COVID pandemic and the tragic murder of George Floyd. I felt a sense of urgency to lead on key issues like police reform and accountability, and I noticed a hunger for change. The Mayor's Office matters, and
I knew if I didn't step up and lead, nothing would change.
My story isn't unique. It's one so many Run for Something candidates and potential candidates have in common -- we're often political outsiders looking to shake up the status quo. To break through, we need people willing to take a chance on us.
That's what my community did for me.
Now it's my turn to pay it forward. John, can you chip in
$5
or anything you can to keep electing diverse, young progressives in 2022?
My campaign slogan was, "Cleveland can't wait." Neither can America.
Justin Bibb
Mayor-elect of Cleveland, Ohio
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Run for Something is a grassroots-powered organization that recruits and empowers young progressives running for local office, with the goal of winning permanent power for decades to come. We've elected 500 diverse, young progressives to power by relying on support from grassroots donors pitching in a little to create big change. Please chip in now to help our candidates continue running and winning.
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